Bellingham Man Charged in School Shooting Conspiracy
Federal authorities arrested James Cody Bryant for allegedly aiding a 2026 mass shooting in Canada.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Terrorism
James Cody Bryant, 30, was arrested in Bellingham for his alleged role in a February 10, 2026, massacre at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. Eight people were killed during the attack carried out by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights the dangerous nature of online radicalization and the role of digital accomplices in mass violence. Bryant allegedly provided funds and strategic advice to the shooter, including an attempt to livestream the massacre.
James Cody Bryant faces a federal charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Canadian investigators reviewed over 90 statements as part of the ongoing legal process following the shooting.
The players
James Cody Bryant
He is a 30-year-old man who was arrested by federal authorities for his alleged role in a school shooting conspiracy.
Jesse Van Rootselaar
He was an 18-year-old shooter who killed eight people at his school before dying of a self-inflicted injury.
The details
Bryant allegedly met the teenage shooter on Omegle three years before the attack and later communicated via Discord. He reportedly sent the perpetrator slightly more than $100 for shoes and attempted to transfer funds for a lighter, while also agreeing to livestream the event.
Timeline
Bryant and the shooter met on Omegle three years prior to February 10, 2026.
The Tumbler Ridge Secondary School attack occurred on February 10, 2026.
James Cody Bryant was arrested in Bellingham on October 6, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting digital accomplice prosecution regarding international criminal collaboration. It illustrates how legal systems are increasingly targeting individuals who provide remote logistical support for mass violence.
The arrest brings closure to a painful investigation for the communities impacted by the tragic events in British Columbia. Local residents in Bellingham should remain aware that federal investigations into online radicalization networks are ongoing.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe legal consequences for providing any form of aid to those plotting acts of violence. It serves as a reminder that online interactions can carry real-world criminal liability that spans international borders.
Further reading
For more information on regional threats, visit the Terrorism news section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHMI 93.5 FM.
