Roblox Account of Canadian Shooter Features Mall Massacre Simulator
Online investigators and researchers have raised significant concerns after discovering a Roblox account allegedly linked to Jesse Van Rootselaar, the perpetrator of a devastating school shooting in British Columbia. This account was found to host a game that simulates a mall shooting scenario, adding a disturbing layer to the investigation into the mass killing that claimed at least nine lives in Tumbler Ridge on Wednesday.
Discovery of the Account and Its Contents
The account, with the username jesseboy347, was identified by users on the internet forum Kiwi Farms and has since been deleted. It appeared to be connected to Van Rootselaar's other online profiles. One of the games created under this account, titled 'Remember', was designed as a mall shooting experience. In this simulation, players could use a variety of weapons, including rifles, AR-style firearms, rocket launchers, SMGs, machine guns, and sniper rifles, to fire into a crowd of civilian characters within a virtual shopping center.
This discovery was made just a day after the tragic events unfolded, where police reported that Van Rootselaar first shot and killed her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at a home before proceeding to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School to open fire on students and staff. The shooter was found dead from a self-inflicted wound at the school following the attack.
Roblox Platform and Its Implications
Roblox is a widely popular user-generated content platform with millions of daily players globally, allowing users to design and share interactive games and experiences. Forum users described the mall shooting game as a basic attempt to replicate real-life violence, featuring weapons and characters in a shopping center setting. However, there is no official confirmation from Canadian authorities or Roblox Corporation that this account definitively belonged to Van Rootselaar or that the game influenced her actions during the mass shooting.
Police have stated that Van Rootselaar acted alone, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. According to reports from USA Today, the shooter was born male and transitioned to female approximately six years ago.
Broader Context of Violence in Gaming
While violence in shooting-based video games is common, there are rare instances where such gameplay has been linked to real-life attacks, particularly among teenagers. This case highlights ongoing debates about the potential impact of violent simulations on behavior, though no direct causal link has been established in this incident.
The investigation continues as authorities and online communities scrutinize digital footprints to understand the full scope of the shooter's activities and motivations.
