Transgender Resident Accused of Aiding School Shooting

A Washington state resident has been accused of supporting a deadly school shooting in Canada. Authorities arrested James Cody Bryant, 30, in Bellingham, near Seattle. They allege Bryant sent money, provided advice, and agreed to broadcast the February 10th attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.

Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd stated, “Bryant had the information and ability to alert law enforcement, but he chose not to.” Instead, Bryant encouraged the shooter, which resulted in multiple deaths. Special Agent W. Mike Herrington of the FBI confirmed that Bryant helped 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, the shooter, to travel to the school after initially killing family members.

Both Bryant and Van Rootselaar identified as transgender. They met online through the chat service Omegle three years prior to the attack. Their discussions led to planning the violent event, which included arranging for the livestream of the attack.

Herrington revealed that despite working overnight, Bryant stayed awake to ensure the broadcast was visible online. The shooting left eight dead, including students, a teacher, and the shooter’s family members. Tragically, Van Rootselaar ended his own life inside the school.

Prosecutors charged Bryant with conspiracy to murder individuals in a foreign country. Financial records showed a transfer of over $100 for shoes and an attempted $15 transfer for a lighter. Investigators have found no evidence that weapons used in the attack came from the U.S.

The investigation expanded into the United States days after the massacre when Canadian authorities notified the Department of Homeland Security. Floyd explained that investigators scrutinized thousands of communications, many on Discord, before Bryant’s arrest.

Canadian officials, led by RCMP Assistant Commissioner Elija Rain, examined over 90 statements from students, educators, and first responders. Further charges might be considered as the investigation continues.

Herrington stressed that aiding a mass shooting, even from a distance, can result in serious legal consequences. “If you think you are safe from prosecution because you did not pull the trigger, think again,” he warned.