Washington resident conspired with Canadian school shooter before Tumbler Ridge attack, officials say

A 30-year-old Washington resident, James Cody Bryant, has been arrested and charged in connection with a February school shooting in British Columbia. The U.S. attorney's office in Seattle alleges that Bryant communicated with the 18-year-old shooter for six months prior to the attack. Despite attempting to dissuade the shooter at various times, Bryant did not report the plans to authorities and instead conspired with her to broadcast the attacks, according to officials.

The FBI's special agent in charge, W. Mike Herrington, stated that without Bryant's involvement, it is uncertain whether the shooting would have taken place. Jesse Van Rootselaar, the shooter, killed eight people and wounded 25 others, including five children and an educational assistant, at a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada. Van Rootselaar had previously killed her mother and stepbrother at home.

Authorities allege that Bryant provided advice on increasing the carnage and the types of firearms to use, as well as financial support for a lighter to construct an explosive device.