Transgender Individual Charged in Connection with Canadian School Shooting

On Tuesday, federal authorities charged James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old resident of Washington state, with conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country. The arrest follows allegations that Bryant supported a Canadian school shooting incident which resulted in multiple fatalities, including five students. The shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, also identified as transgender.

Prosecutors claim Bryant provided financial assistance, advice, and offered to livestream the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. During a Seattle news conference, Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd stated Bryant had discussed the possibility of alerting law enforcement with the shooter but chose otherwise. FBI Special Agent W. Mike Herrington emphasized that Bryant had the capacity to prevent further violence yet decided to aid the shooter.

Both Bryant and Van Rootselaar connected online through the chat service Omegle and maintained contact for three years. There is no indication that their transgender identities influenced their actions or that they met in person.

The investigation revealed Bryant’s willingness to record and broadcast the event for greater notoriety. Despite having completed an overnight work shift, Bryant stayed awake to ensure the act was projected widely online. The attempt to livestream on Twitch failed after a brief 20-second duration.

Investigators scrutinized numerous online communications between the pair, which also included financial transactions like a $100 transfer for shoes. An attempted $15 transfer for a lighter was reversed. Discussions also touched on sending weapons to Canada, but no evidence suggests firearms used in the attack came from the U.S.

Authorities continue to examine the shooter’s motive and any potential political affiliations, although none have been identified. Investigative efforts involved subpoenas, warrants, and collaboration between U.S. and Canadian agencies. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed they are reviewing numerous witness statements and online interactions.

The tragic event on February 10 resulted in eight deaths, including Van Rootselaar, who died from a self-inflicted injury. In light of these events, officials stress that providing support for acts of violence, even from afar, carries severe legal consequences.