FBI describes arrest of Tumbler Ridge conspiracy suspect

The FBI has detailed the arrest of James Bryant, an alleged co-conspirator in the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting. On Tuesday, agents visited Bryant's apartment in Bellingham, Wash., and he remained calm and not particularly surprised by the visit, according to police. Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington explained that Bryant was aware of the risks involved, having discussed plans with the attacker Jesse Van Rootselaar, who subsequently committed suicide at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Bryant was charged with conspiracy to murder in a foreign country, based on months of conversations with Van Rootselaar discussing tactics, targets, and the livestreaming of the attack. The FBI complaint includes photos shared between the two and descriptions of the attacker's guns and possible motivations, which were not previously released by the RCMP.

Herrington noted that the FBI's release of such detailed information was due to significant public interest in Canada and the lack of endangerment to the prosecution. The RCMP has been cautious about releasing certain details, citing ongoing court processes and a desire to protect the integrity of their own investigation.