James Cody Bryant charged in conspiracy for Canadian school shooting

James Cody Bryant, 30, of Bellingham, Washington, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country following a deadly school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. US prosecutors allege that Bryant acted as an online adviser and accomplice to Jesse Van Rootselaar, who killed eight people—including six children aged 11 to 13—on February 10.

Investigators state that Bryant and Van Rootselaar communicated via Discord and Omegle for approximately six months. During this time, Bryant allegedly provided technical assistance, money, and strategic advice to increase the number of victims and help hide the plan. Bryant reportedly advised on target selection and the use of firearms, even assisting Van Rootselaar with logistical details on the day of the attack.

The Department of Justice released photos of the weapons used in the attack, which included a rifle and shotgun featuring transgender-themed stickers and colors. Van Rootselaar allegedly killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking a secondary school, where five children and an educational assistant were also killed. Twenty-seven others were wounded in the incident.