Washington Man Charged in Connection With Canadian Mass Shooting
Federal prosecutors allege James Cody Bryant aided and abetted the shooter by offering tactical advice, discussing livestreaming plans, and sending money for attack components.
A Washington state man faces federal charges for allegedly assisting a Canadian woman in planning and executing a mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of seven people, including five students, and an educational assistant in February 2026.
James Cody Bryant, 30, of Washington state, is accused of enabling and aiding the shooter, Jesse van Rootselaar, by agreeing to livestream the attack to "maximize" its exposure, discussing tactical plans, and sending funds to purchase components for an explosive device, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday in Seattle.
Prosecutors allege that Bryant, who met van Rootselaar online years prior, encouraged her to carry out the attack. The two communicated daily in the six months leading up to the shooting. On the day of the attack, van Rootselaar reportedly informed Bryant that she had killed two family members and intended to commit the school shooting, but Bryant allegedly took no action to prevent it.
Beginning in August 2025, Bryant allegedly provided tactical advice to van Rootselaar, suggesting optimal shooting locations and discussing escape routes. He also reportedly helped van Rootselaar conduct a test run of her planned livestream.
Van Rootselaar died by suicide during the attack, and the livestream failed. According to court documents, she had been institutionalized multiple times, including after setting her room on fire.
Bryant told Homeland Security Investigations agents that van Rootselaar's mental state had deteriorated significantly, becoming increasingly angry and suicidal. He stated that she frequently spoke of using firearms to murder family members and others due to perceived mistreatment. Van Rootselaar allegedly sent Bryant videos and images of herself practicing with firearms, and informed him that she had stolen guns and ammunition from her family's gun safe, hiding them in her room for the planned attack. She also reportedly convinced another individual to purchase ammunition on her behalf.
Prosecutors contend that van Rootselaar was fixated on mass shootings and studied livestreamed recordings of such events. Bryant allegedly assisted her by reviewing test footage and helping her choose a target location. While van Rootselaar initially wanted to maximize victims, Bryant reportedly suggested attacking a grocery store or church instead of a school due to the potential for numerous young victims. Ultimately, van Rootselaar chose the school.
The pair also discussed livestreaming logistics, including audio and the potential use of Starlink for better camera quality. "Pls tho I rlly do beg that u at least give a sincere try at being there for my final moments n manage to share them. I bought the whole camer holder thing n everything. I don’t wanna be let down," van Rootselaar allegedly messaged Bryant. He reportedly replied, "I will. I'll be there."
Bryant is also accused of sending van Rootselaar money for items such as new shoes and a lighter used in the attempted detonation of an explosive device. "I want the cute shoes for when I do my violence," she allegedly told Bryant after receiving funds.
According to the complaint, the two also discussed not reporting her to law enforcement. "You believe me when I promise I won’t snitch on you, right," Bryant allegedly asked van Rootselaar in August. "I don’t want to honestly. I know I can like, save lives I guess but idk," he continued, later stating he could be the only one to stop her but did not act.
On the day before the shooting, Bryant allegedly helped van Rootselaar test her livestream equipment. The day of the attack, she reportedly sent Bryant photos of herself armed and ready. "I’m going now. Fr. Live. I shot them. F---," she allegedly told him. Bryant then reportedly guided her in starting the vehicle she intended to use for the attack.
Van Rootselaar crashed the vehicle into a snowbank before regaining control and driving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where the murders occurred. Authorities said the FBI described Bryant's actions as "misplaced loyalty."