Washington State Man Charged With Conspiracy in Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
James Cody Bryant, 30, of Washington State, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder for allegedly aiding the shooter who killed eight people at a British Columbia secondary school and two family members in February 2025.
A 30-year-old Washington State resident has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder people in a foreign country in connection with the February 2025 mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
U.S. law enforcement alleges that James Cody Bryant maintained contact with 18-year-old shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar for six months prior to the attack. During that period, Bryant allegedly offered advice, money, and technical assistance to Van Rootselaar. Court documents indicate Bryant sent approximately $100 USD for shoes and $15 USD for a lighter to the shooter.
According to the indictment, Bryant agreed to facilitate a livestream of the shooting and provided tactical advice, including suggestions on target locations and weapon types. The pair considered other targets such as malls or schools in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, or Prince George before settling on Tumbler Ridge. Bryant also allegedly helped Van Rootselaar test livestream equipment and discussed past Canadian mass shootings.
In February 2025, Van Rootselaar shot and killed five students and an educational assistant at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The shooter also killed her mother and half-brother at home before taking her own life.
The charges against Bryant carry a potential penalty of life in prison.
Canada's Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree described the allegations against Bryant as "absolutely devastating" and highlighted concerns about online radicalization.
The tragedy has prompted significant legal action against technology companies. On September 21, the B.C. government filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company failed to notify law enforcement of threats made on its platform prior to the shooting. A total of 37 lawsuits have been filed in California against OpenAI and founder Sam Altman related to the mass shooting.
Canadian officials are also advancing legislation regarding social media safety through Bill C-34.