Washington resident conspired with Canadian school shooter before attack, officials say
People pay their respects at a memorial on the steps of the Town Hall, following a vigil the previous day, in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, Feb. 14, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
SEATTLE (AP) — Federal authorities said Tuesday that they have arrested and charged a 30-year-old from Washington state with encouraging an 18-year-old to commit one of the worst school shootings in Canada's history by offering to livestream the February attack, providing money and sharing advice on how to delete online messages to keep the plot a secret.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Seattle said James Cody Bryant of Bellingham, Washington, communicated with Jesse Van Rootselaar in British Columbia for at least six months ahead of the shooting. Bryant, who identifies as female, did not report Van Rootselaar's plans to authorities, authorities allege.
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