World · North America · 1 hr ago
U.S. judge denies bail to alleged Tumbler Ridge co-conspirator
A Seattle judge denied bail to James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old from Bellingham, Washington, who is accused of conspiring to murder people in another country.
Prosecutors allege Bryant encouraged and supported the Tumbler Ridge shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, before the Feb.
10 attack in British Columbia.
Van Rootselaar killed five students and one staff member at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, after killing her mother and stepbrother at home.
Police allege Bryant offered to livestream the attack, sent money and provided logistical support through online interactions.
The judge said Bryant’s serious mental health and substance use concerns and need for constant supervision weighed against release.
She also said authorities could not ensure Bryant would be kept from internet access, which the judge considered necessary to prevent further risk.
Bryant will remain in custody as the case proceeds; the charges are allegations, not a finding of guilt.
A U.S. judge denied bail to James Cody Bryant, who is accused of conspiring with and aiding the Tumbler Ridge school shooter.
Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler said she could not identify release conditions that would address the risks Bryant posed to herself or the community, or the risk she would miss court.
Bryant, 30, was arrested on Oct. 6 and charged with conspiracy to murder people in a foreign country.
Prosecutors allege Bryant supported Jesse Van Rootselaar in planning the Feb. 10 attack, which killed five students and one staff member.
- Who
- James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old Bellingham, Washington, resident, was denied bail.
- What
- A U.S. judge ordered Bryant to remain in custody pending further court appearances.
- When
- The ruling was reported on Oct. 13, 2026.
- Where
- U.S. District Court in Seattle, Washington.
- Why
- The judge said no release conditions could adequately address the risks to Bryant or the community, or the risk she would fail to appear in court.
Prosecutors
Bryant and her lawyers
Bail
Prosecutors
Prosecutors argued Bryant should remain detained because she posed a flight risk and danger to the public.
Bryant and her lawyers
Bryant’s lawyers sought her release on bail.
Risk to the community
Prosecutors
Prosecutors said her alleged online participation meant release conditions could not prevent a continuing threat.
Bryant and her lawyers
Not stated
Van Rootselaar reportedly told Bryant she did not want to carry out the shooting unless someone would livestream it.
The attack took place at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School; prosecutors allege Bryant supported Van Rootselaar.
Bryant was arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country.
A judge in Seattle denied Bryant bail.
- Defendant
- James Cody Bryant, 30
- Court
- U.S. District Court in Seattle
- Charge
- One count of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country
- Arrest
- Oct. 6, 2026
- Attack date
- Feb. 10
- Victims at school
- Five students and one staff member
3 sources
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What people are saying
tragically vulnerable, unstable individual
It does not get much more serious or dangerous for the community
There are simply no conditions of release that can be fully and effectively enforced to ensure that Bryant does not pose a continuing threat to the community through online behavior.