US Resident Charged in Tumbler Ridge Shooting
James Cody Bryant, 30, allegedly conspired with shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar, providing money and advice. The attack killed eight people, including six children, in the Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge.
A 30-year-old US resident, James Cody Bryant, has been charged with conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country in connection with the February mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Bryant, from Bellingham, Washington, allegedly conspired with shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar to kill people in Canada and broadcast the killings online.
According to US court records, Bryant provided money and advice to Van Rootselaar, who shot and killed her mother and half-brother before attacking Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The attack killed eight people, including six children, and wounded several others.
US Attorney Neil Floyd said Bryant and Van Rootselaar communicated on the Discord online platform from the summer of 2025 until the day of the attack. They discussed the logistics of the attack, including what to use and how to increase the carnage.
FBI Special Agent Mike Herrington said Bryant enabled the shooter and agreed to live-stream the attack to maximize notoriety. Herrington described the complaint as particularly difficult to read due to the casual tone used by the two individuals when discussing the mass killing.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are continuing their investigation and may pursue further charges in Canada. The arrest is the latest development in one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.
The attack has triggered lawsuits and scrutiny of Canada's firearms oversight. It has also raised questions about the regulation of technology giants when credible threats arise.
Bryant's alleged role in the attack has been revealed for the first time. The allegations against Bryant have not been tested in court.
Key facts
- James Cody Bryant, 30, charged with conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country
- Bryant allegedly conspired with shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar to kill people in Canada
- The attack killed eight people, including six children, in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
- Bryant provided money and advice to Van Rootselaar, according to US court records
Three perspectives
Neutral
The arrest of James Cody Bryant marks a significant development in the investigation into the Tumbler Ridge shooting. The case will continue to unfold as the allegations against Bryant are tested in court. The RCMP may pursue further charges in Canada.
Positive
The cooperation between US and Canadian law enforcement has led to the arrest of a suspect in connection with the Tumbler Ridge shooting. This demonstrates the effectiveness of cross-border collaboration in combating violent crime.
Negative
The revelation that James Cody Bryant allegedly enabled and advised the shooter raises concerns about the role of online platforms in facilitating violent crime. The casual tone used by the two individuals when discussing the mass killing is particularly disturbing.
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