Federal prosecutors charged a Washington state resident on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, with conspiracy to murder. Authorities alleged she assisted an 18-year-old shooter who killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Law enforcement arrested 30-year-old James Cody Bryant in Bellingham. She allegedly provided technical support, funds, and advice to Jesse Van Rootselaar before the Feb. 10 attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Investigators stated that Bryant agreed to record and broadcast a live video stream of the attack. The goal was to maximize public notoriety for the shooter. The case has drawn intense cross-border scrutiny from both U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies.
Details of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting Investigation
According to the U.S. Justice Department, Bryant and Van Rootselaar maintained contact over the online communication service Discord for six months leading up to the tragedy. The pair originally met three years prior through the random video chat service Omegle.
On Feb. 10, Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at home. She then traveled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. There, she killed five children-three 12-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old boy-along with an educational assistant. She subsequently died by . Two other children were seriously wounded in what became one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.
Alleged Assistance and Livestream Plans
Federal officials revealed that Bryant had information and the ability to alert law enforcement. However, she chose not to intervene. Neil Floyd, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, noted during a news conference that Bryant discussed contacting authorities with the shooter. Ultimately, she decided against it.
- Provided financial assistance, including funds for shoes and a lighter for an explosive device.
- Offered technical advice on how to start a vehicle when the shooter experienced car trouble after the initial family killings.
- Agreed to record and broadcast a livestream of the school attack to maximize public notoriety.
- Advised the shooter on how to maintain secrecy by using virtual private networks and deleting messages.
W. Mike Herrington, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle office, stated that Bryant stayed awake following an overnight work shift to ensure the livestream occurred. The attempted broadcast on Twitch lasted about 20 seconds before shutting down. Investigators noted that Bryant’s account was the only one verified to have viewed the live feed.
Legal Proceedings and Cross-Border Cooperation
Bryant faces a federal charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. This crime carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Federal court records indicated that online filings did not immediately show a defense attorney representing Bryant following the arrest.
Canadian authorities, including British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Elija Rain, confirmed that the joint investigation remains active. Canadian police are continuing to evaluate whether further charges will be pursued domestically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was charged in connection with the Tumbler Ridge school shooting?
James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old resident of Bellingham, Washington, was arrested and charged by federal prosecutors with conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country.
What specific allegations were made against James Cody Bryant?
Prosecutors allege that Bryant communicated with the shooter for six months, provided financial support and technical advice, helped the shooter navigate vehicle trouble to reach the school, and agreed to livestream the attack.
When did the shooting at Tumbler Ridge take place?
The mass shooting occurred on Feb. 10 at a home and at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada.
How many victims were killed in the attack?
Eight people died during the rampage, including the shooter’s mother, her 11-year-old stepbrother, five young students, and a school staff member.
What is the maximum penalty for the charge filed against Bryant?
The federal charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country carries a maximum sentence of up to life in prison.
