Alleged Involvement in Canadian School Massacre
A transgender resident of Washington state is accused of contributing to a school massacre in Canada. Federal officials stated that James Cody Bryant, 30, aided the shooter instead of notifying authorities.
Bryant was arrested in Bellingham, near Seattle, on charges of sending money, providing advice, and planning to broadcast the attack on February 10 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, which resulted in the deaths of children.
During a Seattle news conference, Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd commented, “Bryant had the information and ability to alert law enforcement but chose not to. Instead, he encouraged and offered assistance to a murderer.”
Bryant faces federal charges of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Prosecutors allege that Bryant helped the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, reach the school after already committing murder, this included helping to start a car.
FBI Special Agent W. Mike Herrington noted that Bryant admitted he was potentially the only person who could have stopped the shooter. Both Bryant and Van Rootselaar identified as transgender women. They initially met through an online chat service, Omegle, approximately three years prior to the incident. Investigators have no evidence of physical meetings or of their gender identities influencing the crime.
Their friendship evolved into discussions of violence over six months, with a particularly casual tone, as noted by Herrington. Bryant allegedly agreed to livestream the attack to increase the shooter’s notoriety.
Herrington stated, “Bryant even stayed awake after an overnight work shift to ensure this act was broadcasted.” The livestream on Twitch lasted only about 20 seconds before shutting down.
Authorities described Bryant’s financial assistance, including $100 for shoes and an attempted transfer of $15 for a lighter, which failed.
Floyd remarked on discussions between Bryant and the shooter about sending weapons to Canada. However, there is no indication the firearms used came from the U.S.
Investigators have not found any connections to political ideologies or groups but noted a focus on notoriety in communication between Bryant and the shooter. Their discussions included other mass shootings and public reactions.
The joint U.S.-Canadian investigation began shortly after the massacre, with Canadian police contacting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Subpoenas and warrants allowed investigators to review communications on platforms like Discord.
Canadian authorities continue investigating, with 90 statements reviewed from witnesses and further online contacts being examined.
Herrington emphasized consequences for enabling such acts, “The FBI and our partners will hold accountable those who assist in acts of mass violence.” The attack resulted in eight deaths, including students, an educator, and the shooter’s family members.