Canada Shooter’s Drugs And Guns Obsession Exposed Before Attacks

Canada Shooter’s Drugs And Guns Obsession Exposed Before Attacks

Archived social media posts attributed to Canadian school shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar are shedding new light on the disturbing online footprint of the 19-year-old responsible for one of the deadliest mass killings in Canada’s recent history.

Authorities say Van Rootselaar killed eight people — including family members, students and a teacher — before taking his own life following a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.

According to posts reviewed by multiple outlets, Van Rootselaar had for years publicly discussed heavy psychedelic drug use, psychiatric medication, prior hospitalisation and firearms.

In Reddit threads dating back to 2023 and 2024, he asked detailed questions about potent hallucinogens including 5-MeO-DMT and psilocybin mushrooms. In one post, he described experiencing a “complete break from reality” after taking mushrooms, claiming serious consequences followed. In another, he referenced being discharged from a psychiatric ward weeks earlier.

He also wrote about taking prescription medications including sertraline (Zoloft) and occasional risperidone, and stated he had been diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder. The authenticity of the accounts has been reported by multiple outlets but has not been independently verified by police in full detail.

Separate posts showed him displaying firearms, including what appeared to be a Chinese SKS semi-automatic rifle and a Desert Eagle handgun at a shooting range.

Police confirmed that Van Rootselaar had prior contact with law enforcement and had been subject to mental health holds. Officers had previously confiscated firearms from the home, though they were later returned to a legal owner following a petition process. Authorities have not publicly clarified who that owner was.

The attack began at his family home, where police say he fatally shot his mother and 11-year-old stepbrother. He then travelled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where he opened fire in the school library, killing a teacher and five students aged 12 and 13 before taking his own life.

At a press conference, police said Van Rootselaar was born male and had begun transitioning approximately six years ago.

The massacre has reignited debate in Canada over mental health intervention systems, firearm access and the role of online communities in reinforcing dangerous behaviour patterns. Investigators continue to piece together a clearer timeline of events leading up to the attack.

Key Takeaways

• Archived social media posts reveal years of troubling behaviour, including heavy psychedelic drug use, psychiatric hospitalisation and public discussion of severe mental health struggles.

• The gunman had prior contact with police, including mental health holds and previous firearm confiscations — though the weapons were later returned to a legal owner.

• He killed eight people, including his mother, stepbrother, a teacher and five students aged 12–13, before taking his own life inside the school library.

• Online posts also showed firearm ownership and range activity, raising questions about oversight and access.

• Authorities confirmed the suspect had begun transitioning several years ago, though police have not indicated this was connected to motive.

• The attack is likely to intensify debate in Canada over gun control, mental health intervention, and warning signs in digital communities.