U.S. suspect allegedly ‘encouraged, sent money’ to Tumbler Ridge shooter

A person in western Washington State was allegedly in contact with the Tumbler Ridge School shooter for six months before the deadly shooting occurred in February, U.S. law enforcement officials said on Tuesday.

James Cody Bryant, 30, “had been in repeated contact with the shooter, offering advice, sending money and even agreeing to livestream the horrific event,” said Neal Floyd, acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington.

“Bryant had the information and ability to alert law enforcement, and even discussed that possibility with the shooter, but he chose not to. Instead, he encouraged and offered assistance to a murderer.”

While referring to Bryant as male, Mike Herrington, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, said: “By my understanding, Bryant identifies as a female.”

Floyd alleged Bryant helped the shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, start their car after they had already killed their mother and step-brother, so that Van Rootselaar could drive to Tumbler Ridge School and carry out the mass shooting.

“Today, Bryant is in custody charged with conspiracy to murder people in a foreign country,” Floyd said.

“That charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison.”

Read more: Global News (Canada)