New details in Canada massacre: Attacker had a history of mental illness PHOTO

Police said that 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, killed eight people, including six children, in the attack that took place on Tuesday in Tumbler Ridge.

According to the BBC, the teenager had previously been detained and assessed under the Mental Health Act, and had earlier held a firearms license. It remains unclear who owned the weapon used in the attack, or what the motive was.

“On multiple occasions, the suspect was taken in for assessment and monitoring,” said Dwayne MacDonald, Deputy Commissioner of the RCMP.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he will visit the mountain town in the coming days. British Columbia has declared Thursday a day of mourning across the province.

At the middle school in Tumbler Ridge, five students aged 12 to 13 and a 39-year-old teacher were killed, while at least 25 people were injured.

Two victims — the suspect’s mother (39) and his 11-year-old half-brother — were found dead in a nearby home where the attack began.

Two young victims remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

In Tumbler Ridge, a town of about 2,400 residents, flags were flown at half-mast, and citizens laid toys and flowers in memory of the victims.