A complaint filed by the FBI in U.S. District Court outlines severe allegations against James Bryant related to the mass shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., which resulted in eight deaths on February 10, 2026. The FBI special agent Joseph Rico claims that Bryant, a resident of Bellingham, Washington, had a connection with the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, dating back three years when they met online.
According to the complaint, Bryant and Van Rootselaar lost contact while she was institutionalized for setting her room on fire, but they resumed daily communication for six months prior to the murders. Their interactions primarily took place on the Discord platform, where Van Rootselaar used two distinct accounts.
Allegations of Support in the Killings
The FBI charges Bryant with conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, asserting that he encouraged and advised Van Rootselaar for an extended period leading up to the attack. Rico reveals that Bryant participated in setting up a livestream to broadcast the murders, admitting that he assisted Van Rootselaar in testing the livestream equipment. Furthermore, Bryant supposedly provided tactical advice on carrying out the murders, discussing potential target locations. He cautioned Van Rootselaar on the importance of hallways and the need for a handgun, stating, “this is smart.”
In the days preceding the attack, Bryant allegedly told Van Rootselaar that she did not have to proceed with the attack, yet he continued to assist her in testing the livestream and refrained from notifying law enforcement. On the day of the massacre, Bryant reportedly helped Van Rootselaar start the car that she used to drive to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six victims were fatally shot.
CCTV Footage Insights
The complaint references CCTV footage indicating that Van Rootselaar entered the school through a side entrance and began firing at students and staff. After incapacitating several victims, she allegedly ignited an explosive device and threw it near the school's computer room. Rico presents evidence in the form of a photo purportedly showing the explosive device comprised of a plastic bottle filled with liquid and other improvised materials, including a lighter. Following the explosion, Van Rootselaar reportedly attempted to access other sections of the school but was hindered by locked doors, shooting several rounds into them before ultimately retreating into an empty room where she took her own life.
The Livestream Incident
The investigation also includes details about a brief livestream that Bryant allegedly assisted in posting on the Twitch platform on the day of the attack. Rico describes how the livestream displayed Van Rootselaar sitting in a vehicle with firearms and included her remarks to Bryant, “I’m going now. Fr (for real). Live. I shot them,” to which Bryant is said to have replied, “Watching now.”
Details on Weapons
The complaint features images of firearms, including one photograph allegedly taken on the morning of the shooting, showcasing Van Rootselaar in a compromising outfit with an olive-green rifle. The rifle is adorned with a colorful suppressor reflecting the transgender pride flag, a detail noted by the FBI, who also pointed out that both Van Rootselaar and Bryant identify as transgender. Another image features a Canuck shotgun that Van Rootselaar planned to use, also decorated with pride flag stickers.
Additionally, it is reported that several months before the shooting, Van Rootselaar disclosed to Bryant that she had pilfered firearms and ammunition from her family's safe in preparation for a mass shooting. She allegedly articulated her plans to acquire more ammunition through others, indicating her intention to carry out an attack.
Location and Motive Analysis
Before choosing Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as the attack site, Van Rootselaar discussed various potential locations with Bryant. They considered venues like Walmart or Costco but determined that these were too open, with Van Rootselaar expressing a preference for a mall over a Walmart for the higher value of the location. Ultimately, she believed a school was ideal, citing various reasons for its strategic advantage.
The complaint reveals that Bryant disclosed to the FBI that Van Rootselaar became increasingly angry and suicidal following her earlier institutionalization. She allegedly expressed intentions of using firearms to harm her family and others, convinced that she had been mistreated. Bryant noted that Van Rootselaar was fixated on mass shootings and studied past events for inspiration.
