American man charged after allegedly helping trans shooter plan Canada school attack that left 5 kids and teacher dead
A 30-year-old American has been charged with conspiracy to murder in connection with a deadly school shooting in British Columbia that killed eight people in February. James Cody Bryant of Bellingham, Washington, allegedly provided tactical advice, financial assistance and technical support to help the 18-year-old shooter plan and broadcast the attack online. The case demonstrates how international actors can facilitate mass violence through digital platforms and raises urgent questions about online monitoring and international cooperation.
Bryant and shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar met three years ago on Omegle and resumed contact via Discord beginning in August 2025. Prosecutors allege Bryant sent money, advised on firearms and strategies to increase casualties, tested livestream equipment, and agreed to record the attack without contacting authorities. The February 10 shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School killed five students aged 12 or 13, one educational assistant, and two people at a residential location; Van Rootselaar died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- American charged with conspiracy over deadly Canadian school shooting that killed eight
- Allegedly provided tactical advice, money and livestream help to 18-year-old shooter
- The pair had communicated online for six months before the February attack
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A school shooting in British Columbia in February resulted in eight deaths, including five students aged 12 or 13, an educational assistant, and two others. The 18-year-old gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack. Since then, investigators have uncovered that an American man had been in contact with the shooter for years and allegedly provided substantial assistance in planning and executing the violence.
James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old from Bellingham, Washington, first met the shooter online three years ago on Omegle, a chat service. After reconnecting through Discord, a messaging platform, starting in August 2025, Bryant allegedly sent money, gave advice about weapons and tactics, tested livestream equipment, and agreed to broadcast the attack online.
The case highlights how mass violence can be coordinated internationally through digital platforms where people remain largely anonymous and communications are difficult for authorities to monitor. It raises wider concerns about whether technology companies and governments are adequately equipped to detect and prevent such coordination before violent acts occur.