A transgender resident of Washington state, James Cody Bryant, has been arrested in connection with a school massacre in Canada. The attack resulted in multiple fatalities, including children. Federal authorities stated that instead of alerting authorities, Bryant chose to assist the shooter, who also identified as transgender.
Bryant, aged 30, was arrested in Bellingham, north of Seattle. He is accused of providing monetary support, giving advice, and agreeing to broadcast the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd emphasized Bryant’s capability to alert law enforcement but chose not to, encouraging the shooter instead.
‘Bryant had the information and ability to alert law enforcement, and even discussed that possibility with the shooter, but he chose not to,’ Floyd said at a Seattle news conference. ‘Instead, he encouraged and offered assistance to a murderer.’
Bryant is charged with conspiracy to murder people in a foreign country. Prosecutors allege that he assisted the shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, in traveling to the school after killing two family members. FBI Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington highlighted Bryant’s role in facilitating the shooter’s actions.
The complaint reveals Bryant’s awareness of being able to stop the shooter and his choice not to. Both Bryant and Van Rootselaar identified as transgender, meeting originally via the Omegle chat service three years before the incident. The nature of their online discussions gradually evolved into talks of violence over a period of at least six months.
Bryant allegedly agreed to livestream the shooting to boost the perpetrator’s notoriety. Herrington confirmed Bryant’s actions in staying awake post-work shift to ensure the crime was broadcasted, commenting on Bryant’s role in maximizing the audience reach as the shooter lacked significant social media presence.
The livestream on Twitch was cut short after approximately 20 seconds. Authorities are still unsure if Van Rootselaar would have proceeded with the attack without Bryant’s involvement. Further financial assistance included $100 for shoes and an attempted, but failed, $15 transfer for a lighter.
‘If you think you are safe from prosecution because you did not pull the trigger, or were not physically present at the scene of the crime, think again,’ said Herrington. ‘The FBI and our partners will use all of the considerable investigative tools at our disposal to hold accountable those who enable or assist in acts of mass violence.’
Investigators have not found connections to any political ideology or group affiliation. They suggest notoriety and prior mass shooting discussions as themes between the pair. The investigation saw coordination between U.S. and Canadian authorities. RCMP Assistant Commissioner Elija Rain noted continued efforts and reviews of communications related to the case.
The tragic event at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School resulted in the deaths of five students, an educator, the shooter’s mother, and an 11-year-old stepbrother, totaling eight victims. Van Rootselaar was discovered dead at the site due to a self-inflicted injury.
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