US Arrest: Alleged Live Streamer of Canada School Shooting

In a significant development related to the February 2026 Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia school shooting, US authorities apprehended James Cody Bryant, 30, in Washington state. Bryant faces a charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country, a crime carrying a potential life sentence.

Officials stated that Bryant maintained repeated contact with the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar. He allegedly provided technical advice, sent money, including for the shoes used in the attack, and agreed to live stream the event to maximize notoriety. The live stream on Twitch was shut down after approximately 20 seconds.

"Without Bryant's misplaced loyalty and willingness to operate the live stream, we don't ultimately know if the shooter would have gone through with the crime," stated Mike Herrington, FBI Seattle special agent in charge. The shooter, Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old who had experienced mental health issues, was responsible for the deaths of nine people, including a teacher and five young students, before dying by suicide.

Acting US Attorney Neil Floyd emphasized Bryant's inaction, noting, "James Cody Bryant had the information and ability to alert law enforcement and even discussed that possibility with the shooter, but he chose not to, and he encouraged and offered assistance to a murderer."