U.S. Authorities Allege Tumbler Ridge School Shooter Was Assisted by Washington State Conspirator

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
7 October 2026

United States authorities have charged a Washington State resident with allegedly helping plan and facilitate the devastating school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left eight people dead earlier this year.

The accused, James Cody Bryant, 30, of Bellingham, Washington, was arrested on a criminal complaint charging conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under U.S. law. American investigators allege Bryant provided advice, money and technical assistance to the shooter over several months before the attack.

The allegations stem from the February 10, 2026, mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, where 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar allegedly killed two family members at home before travelling to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where five students aged 12 and 13 and an educational assistant were fatally shot. The attacker later died by suicide after exchanging gunfire with police.

Authorities Allege Months of Online Communication

According to the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, Bryant and Van Rootselaar communicated extensively through the online platform Discord over a period of approximately six months.

Investigators allege the conversations covered target locations, firearms, livestreaming arrangements and methods of avoiding detection.

Federal prosecutors say Bryant allegedly agreed to help broadcast the attack online and repeatedly tested livestream equipment with the shooter before the incident. Authorities allege he also provided tactical advice on how to increase casualties and offered suggestions regarding weapons and movement during an attack.

The FBI complaint states that Bryant allegedly sent money to Van Rootselaar to purchase items connected to the attack, including a lighter that investigators say was later used in constructing an improvised explosive device.

Alleged Assistance on Day of Attack

One of the most serious allegations in the criminal complaint concerns events on the day of the shooting.

U.S. authorities allege that after the suspect had already killed family members, Van Rootselaar was unable to start the vehicle used to travel to the school.

Bryant allegedly provided instructions remotely on how to start the car, allowing the attacker to continue to the school. Investigators also allege Bryant confirmed that he was receiving the livestream shortly before the shooting began.

Authorities say the livestream was briefly transmitted on the platform Twitch before it was removed.

FBI: Bryant Did Not Alert Police

Investigators say Bryant sometimes expressed reservations about the planned attack and, on some occasions, reportedly encouraged Van Rootselaar not to proceed.

However, prosecutors allege that despite being aware of the plans, Bryant did not notify law enforcement and continued to provide assistance.

According to the FBI, Bryant also allegedly advised the shooter on ways to conceal communications, including deleting messages and using virtual private networks (VPNs).

Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd described the allegations as deeply disturbing, saying it was troubling that a resident of Washington State allegedly provided advice, technical support and financial assistance connected to such a tragedy.

Cross-Border Investigation

The case has involved cooperation between the FBI, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

RCMP officials said the investigation remains active and emphasized that international cooperation was critical in gathering evidence across borders.

The allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not yet been tested in court, and Bryant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

One of Canada’s Deadliest School Shootings

The Tumbler Ridge attack remains one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history and has sparked wider debates about online radicalization, digital communities and how individuals can become involved in violent plots without ever meeting in person.

Investigators allege the relationship between the accused and the shooter developed almost entirely online, highlighting concerns about how extremist ideas, violence and harmful content can spread through digital platforms.

The case has also led to broader discussions about the responsibilities of technology companies, online services and law enforcement agencies in identifying and responding to warning signs before violence occurs.

What Happens Next?

Bryant is expected to appear before a U.S. federal court, where prosecutors will seek to prove the allegations contained in the criminal complaint.

Canadian authorities are also continuing their investigation into the Tumbler Ridge shooting, and further details could emerge through court proceedings in both countries.

For families in Tumbler Ridge, however, the legal developments come months after a tragedy that deeply affected a small community and raised difficult questions about violence, online influence and cross-border criminal investigations.

The case now moves from investigation to the courts, where the allegations against Bryant will be examined through the judicial process.