An expert review of a photo shared on Facebook by Jennifer Jacobs, the mother of a shooter involved in a tragic incident in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, found that the guns depicted were legal to possess at the time. The photo showed various firearms, including semi-automatic rifles and a handgun. Jennifer Jacobs and her son were victims in a mass shooting carried out by her daughter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, which led to the deaths of eight individuals before Jesse took her own life.

The former RCMP officer, Frank Grosspietsch, pointed out that while the firearms appeared legal during the time the photo was taken, regulations in Canada regarding gun ownership have evolved, and one of the semi-automatic rifles pictured has since been prohibited. This highlights a critical dialogue in Canada about gun laws, ownership rights, and the implications of firearm accessibility in relation to violent incidents.

This event not only raised questions about gun legality in Canada but also underscored the necessity for examination of mental health resources and preventive measures surrounding gun violence. Community safety and effective regulation of firearms are central themes in the ongoing discussions regarding similar tragedies throughout Canada, promoting the need for robust support systems and legislative frameworks to avert future occurrences.