Washington resident detained for conspiracy in Canadian school shooting

A Washington state resident, Melody Bryant (also known as James Cody Bryant), has been ordered detained pending trial for her alleged role in conspiring to commit a mass shooting in Canada.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Bryant provided assistance to Jesse Van Rootselaar, who killed eight people and wounded 27 in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in February. Investigators allege that Bryant failed to report the plans, agreed to distribute a livestream of the attack, provided financial assistance, and offered advice on deleting digital messages to conceal the plot.

During a detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler ruled that no conditions, including internet restrictions, could sufficiently ensure community safety if Bryant were released. Bryant’s defense counsel argued for her release, noting that she had remained free for seven months following an initial interview with federal agents.