Washington man charged with conspiracy to murder abroad tied to Canadian school shooting

Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd announced the arrest of James Cody Bryant, a resident of Bellingham, Washington, on a charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Prosecutors allege Bryant maintained a six‑month dialogue with 18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar, the suspected gunman in the February 10 massacre at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, where five students and an educational assistant were killed and the shooter later died by suicide.

Officials say Bryant gave tactical advice on weapon selection, transferred money for a lighter intended for an explosive device, and did not report the plot to authorities. The Department of Justice said it will provide further details at an upcoming press conference.