Washington State Resident Charged in Connection with Canadian School Massacre

A transgender resident of Washington state has been arrested and charged for allegedly aiding in a Canadian school massacre that resulted in the deaths of eight people, including five students, an educator, and the shooter's family members. James Cody Bryant, 30, was taken into custody Tuesday morning in Bellingham, Washington.

Federal officials stated that Bryant provided financial assistance, offered advice, and agreed to broadcast the Feb. 10 attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said Bryant had the ability to alert law enforcement but instead chose to encourage and assist the shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.

Bryant faces a federal charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Prosecutors allege that after the shooter had already killed two family members, Bryant assisted Van Rootselaar in traveling to the school to commit further violence. FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington noted that Bryant admitted in a complaint that he was potentially the only person who could have stopped the shooter.

Both Bryant and Van Rootselaar identified as transgender. Herrington confirmed that Bryant identifies as female. The two individuals met approximately three years prior to the attack through the online chat service Omegle.

Communications between Bryant and Van Rootselaar, which spanned at least six months, included discussions of violence. Herrington described the tone of their conversations about the planned mass killing as casual. Bryant allegedly agreed to record and livestream the attack to maximize the shooter’s notoriety, reportedly staying awake after an overnight shift to ensure the act could be widely viewed online.

The attempted livestream on the platform Twitch lasted about 20 seconds before shutting down. Investigators are uncertain if Van Rootselaar would have carried out the attack without Bryant’s participation in the livestream.

Financial assistance from Bryant to the shooter included approximately $100 for shoes, and an attempted transfer of about $15 for a lighter was later reversed. Bryant was reportedly uncomfortable with the idea of sending weapons to Canada, and investigators do not believe the firearms used in the attack originated from the U.S.

Authorities have found no indication of a specific political ideology or group affiliation driving the attack. Herrington suggested that themes in the communications included the shooter’s suffering and a strong desire for notoriety. Bryant and Van Rootselaar discussed other mass shootings and how the Tumbler Ridge attack could garner similar public attention.

The investigation began when Canadian authorities received information from an online platform used by the shooter and contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. Following subpoenas and warrants, investigators reviewed thousands of communications before making Bryant's arrest.

Canadian investigators continue to examine online contacts and have reviewed statements from students, educators, and first responders. RCMP Assistant Commissioner Elijia Rain stated that the possibility of further charges in Canada remains under consideration.

Herrington issued a warning that assisting a mass shooting from afar does not provide immunity from prosecution. He emphasized that the FBI and its partners are committed to holding accountable those who enable or assist in acts of mass violence.

Van Rootselaar died at the school from an apparent self-inflicted injury, according to Canadian authorities. The attack on Feb. 10 claimed the lives of eight victims, including five students, an educator, and the shooter's mother and 11-year-old stepbrother.