Key facts
- James Cody Bryant, 30, was arrested in Washington state on Tuesday.
- Bryant is accused of conspiracy to murder in connection with a deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
- Authorities allege Bryant provided technical advice, sent money, and agreed to live stream the attack.
- The live stream was active for approximately 20 seconds.
- Eight people, including six children, were killed in the February attack.
- The shooter, Jessie Van Rootselaar, 18, died by suicide.
US authorities arrested James Cody Bryant, 30, in Washington state on Tuesday, accusing him of conspiracy to murder in connection with a deadly mass shooting that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The charge carries a potential penalty of life in prison.
According to the US Department of Justice, Bryant was in repeated contact with the shooter, Jessie Van Rootselaar, offering advice, sending money, and agreeing to live stream the attack to maximize the shooter's notoriety. Acting US Attorney Neil Floyd stated that Bryant had the ability to alert law enforcement but chose not to.
The February attack resulted in the deaths of eight people, including six children, one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history. Van Rootselaar, 18, killed his mother and stepbrother at home before proceeding to a school where he killed an educator and five students. Police stated Van Rootselaar died by suicide.
FBI Seattle special agent in charge Mike Herrington said the live stream on Twitch was active for approximately 20 seconds and suggested that without Bryant's assistance, it is uncertain if the shooter would have proceeded with the crime.