Court documents from Washington state have provided new insights into the events leading up to a tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., which resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including the perpetrator. The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced the arrest of James Cody Bryant, 30, on charges of conspiring to murder individuals in a foreign country, a crime that carries a potential life sentence.
Authorities claim that Bryant had communicated with the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, via the social media platform Discord in the months preceding the attack. The criminal complaint states that Bryant knowingly conspired with Van Rootselaar as early as August 2025. Discord cooperated with law enforcement, sharing information with the RCMP, which was then passed on to the FBI.
Following the shooting, Homeland Security investigators interviewed Bryant at his residence in Bellingham, Wash. Subsequently, a search warrant was issued for Bryant’s Discord account in Washington, as he did not consent to the release of communications between him and Van Rootselaar. The retrieved records revealed multiple conversations between the two individuals.
The documents detailed how Bryant provided monetary support for items related to the planned attack, including weapons, decorative stickers, shoes, and other materials. Bryant also facilitated the livestreaming of the attack at Van Rootselaar’s insistence. Despite Bryant’s attempts to dissuade Van Rootselaar from carrying out the attack, she proceeded with her plans on February 10, 2026, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
Bryant is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 20, with potential future proceedings depending on the grand jury’s decision. The U.S. has requested that Bryant be detained without bail, a decision to be determined at a forthcoming hearing.
If you are affected by these events, mental health support resources are available in your province or territory.
