James Cody Bryant Shooting Case: Washington Man Charged in Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Conspiracy
James Cody Bryant, 30, of Bellingham, Washington, has been arrested and charged by U.S. federal authorities in connection with the deadly February 2026 school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
The arrest was announced Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as investigators revealed new details about communications between Bryant and the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, before and during the attack.
Bryant is charged with conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. The allegations are contained in a federal criminal complaint, and Bryant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
James Cody Bryant Arrested in Washington
Federal authorities arrested Bryant in Washington state following an investigation involving the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
According to prosecutors, Bryant had been communicating with Van Rootselaar for approximately six months before the February 10 attack.
Investigators allege that their conversations eventually developed into discussions about carrying out a mass killing in Canada.
Authorities further allege that Bryant provided encouragement, advice, financial assistance and technical help connected to the planned attack.
Connection to the Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
The case relates to the February 10, 2026 shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Authorities said Van Rootselaar first killed two family members at a residence before travelling to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six additional people were killed.
The victims at the school included five children between the ages of 12 and 13 and an educational assistant.
Overall, eight people were killed in the attack, while 25 others were wounded. Van Rootselaar later died by suicide.
What Prosecutors Allege About Bryant
The federal complaint alleges that Bryant maintained extensive online contact with Van Rootselaar before the attack.
Prosecutors say he agreed to help broadcast the violence online and assisted with preparations related to the planned livestream.
Investigators also allege that Bryant provided advice and money and remained in communication with Van Rootselaar as the attack unfolded.
Authorities said Bryant had opportunities to notify law enforcement but did not do so.
The allegations are part of the government’s criminal case and have not been established as facts through a conviction.
Livestream Allegations
One of the significant elements of the federal case concerns an intended livestream of the attack.
According to investigators, Bryant and Van Rootselaar discussed broadcasting the shooting and tested equipment before the February attack.
Authorities say the attempted livestream began during the attack but was stopped shortly afterward.
The investigation into the online communications remains ongoing.
No Death Report for James Cody Bryant
Search interest surrounding “James Cody Bryant shooting” has generated questions about whether Bryant himself was killed in a shooting.
There is no verified report that James Cody Bryant died in the incident.
The current confirmed development is that Bryant was arrested in Washington and faces a federal conspiracy charge related to the Tumbler Ridge attack.
Tumbler Ridge Shooting Investigation Continues
The February shooting remains the subject of a broader Canadian and U.S. investigation.
Federal authorities said the investigation involved cooperation between American and Canadian law-enforcement agencies.
Officials have also indicated that the investigation is continuing, meaning additional charges or information could emerge as investigators review evidence and communications connected to the case.
