A Washington state resident was arrested Tuesday in connection with a deadly school shooting in British Columbia that killed eight people. Federal prosecutors allege that James Cody Bryant, 30, sent money, offered advice and agreed to help livestream the attack. Investigators say he communicated with alleged shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar before and during the Feb. 10 assault. The Canadian and U.S. investigations remain active, with possible additional charges under consideration.
Bryant faces a federal charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Officials allege he assisted Van Rootselaar after two people had already been killed, helping the shooter start a vehicle and reach Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where additional victims were attacked.
| 1) | Arrest and federal allegations |
| 2) | Online relationship and violent discussions |
| 3) | Alleged assistance during the attack |
| 4) | Cross-border investigation |
| 5) | Victims and potential further charges |
Arrest and federal allegations
Federal agents arrested James Cody Bryant Tuesday morning in Bellingham, Washington, north of Seattle. Prosecutors say Bryant had information that could have been provided to law enforcement but chose instead to support the alleged attacker. Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said Bryant discussed the possibility of alerting authorities with Van Rootselaar but did not do so.
“Bryant had the information and ability to alert law enforcement, and even discussed that possibility with the shooter, but he chose not to.”
The charge concerns alleged coordination connected to a crime carried out in Canada. Authorities emphasized that a person can face prosecution for materially assisting mass violence even if that person was not physically present and did not fire a weapon.
Online relationship and violent discussions
Investigators said Bryant and Jesse Van Rootselaar first met through a random pairing on the Omegle chat service approximately three years before the shooting. They remained in online contact and, according to investigators, discussed violence over a period of at least six months. Officials said they have no indication the two met in person.
FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington described the communications as unusually casual while the pair discussed mass killings, public reaction and the attention such attacks could generate. Authorities said both individuals identified as transgender, but investigators reported no evidence that gender identity explained the alleged conduct or that either person was connected to a political ideology or organized group.
Alleged assistance during the attack
Prosecutors allege Bryant provided financial help, including slightly more than $100 for shoes. A separate attempted transfer of about $15 for a lighter was reversed. Investigators also allege that Bryant helped Van Rootselaar start a car after two family members had been killed, enabling the shooter to travel to the school and continue the attack.
Bryant allegedly agreed to record and broadcast the shooting to increase its audience and notoriety. Officials said the attempted Twitch livestream lasted approximately 20 seconds before ending. They said Van Rootselaar had few social media followers and relied on Bryant to help amplify the broadcast. Investigators have not determined whether the attack would have occurred without Bryant’s alleged willingness to operate the livestream.
Cross-border investigation
The investigation expanded across the U.S.-Canada border within days of the Feb. 10 shooting. Canadian police received information from an online platform used by the alleged shooter and contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. U.S. investigators later used subpoenas and warrants and reviewed thousands of communications, many on Discord, before making the arrest.
Canadian authorities said investigators have reviewed more than 90 statements from students, educators and first responders. Assistant Commissioner Elija Rain of the British Columbia RCMP said the criminal investigation remains ongoing, including a review of additional online contacts and evidence related to the attack.
Victims and potential further charges
The shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School killed eight people, including five students, an educator, Van Rootselaar’s mother and an 11-year-old stepbrother, according to Canadian authorities. Van Rootselaar was found dead inside the school from an apparent self-inflicted injury.
Canadian officials said further charges remain under active consideration. U.S. authorities have not alleged that the firearms used in the attack came from Washington or elsewhere in the United States. They also said Bryant and Van Rootselaar discussed sending weapons to Canada, but Bryant was uncomfortable with that proposal.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | James Cody Bryant was arrested in Bellingham, Washington. |
| 2 | He faces a federal conspiracy charge tied to the Canadian attack. |
| 3 | Officials allege he provided money, transportation assistance and livestream support. |
| 4 | The Feb. 10 shooting killed eight people at and before the school attack. |
| 5 | Canadian investigators are reviewing evidence and possible additional charges. |
Summary
The case alleges that Bryant played a supporting role in a cross-border mass shooting by communicating with the alleged attacker, providing limited financial assistance, helping with transportation and agreeing to broadcast the violence. The allegations underscore the legal exposure of people who assist or encourage mass violence remotely. Both U.S. and Canadian authorities continue to examine the communications, online contacts and circumstances surrounding the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Federal authorities arrested James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old Washington state resident, in Bellingham on Tuesday.
What is Bryant accused of doing?
Prosecutors allege that Bryant sent money, offered advice, helped the alleged shooter start a vehicle and agreed to livestream the attack.
How many people were killed?
Canadian authorities said eight people were killed, including five students, an educator, the alleged shooter’s mother and an 11-year-old stepbrother.
Could more charges be filed?
Yes. Canadian investigators said the possibility of further charges remains under active consideration while the cross-border investigation continues.
