U.S. court denies bail to alleged Tumbler Ridge shooting conspirator James Bryant
A Bellingham resident accused of supporting the February attack that killed eight people is held without bail after a judge determined she poses a flight risk.
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A U.S. federal court has denied bail to James Bryant, a Bellingham resident arrested in connection with the February 10 Tumbler Ridge school shooting that killed eight people in B.C.
Bryant, who uses she/her pronouns and goes by the name Melody, was arrested October 6 and charged with one count of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Prosecutors allege that Bryant encouraged and supported shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar in the lead-up to the attack, agreeing to livestream it via Discord, providing money, and offering months of logistical support.
Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler denied bail Tuesday, stating that releasing Bryant would require constant internet supervision — something she did not believe authorities could effectively achieve. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg argued that Bryant posed a flight risk and a danger to the public. Bryant's public defender, Dennis Carroll, argued for release, citing her lack of a criminal record, stable housing and employment, and strong community ties. Carroll also noted that Bryant had voluntarily met with investigators.
On February 10, 2026, Van Rootselaar killed her mother and half-brother at their home before going to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she killed six students and staff before taking her own life. The case is being prosecuted in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The specific amount of money Bryant allegedly gave to Van Rootselaar, and detailed examples of logistical support provided, have not been disclosed.
By the numbers
When was James Bryant arrested?
James Bryant was arrested on October 6, 2026.
How many people died in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting?
Eight people died in the February 10, 2026 attack: Jesse Van Rootselaar's mother and half-brother at their home, plus six students and staff at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
What charges does James Bryant face?
Bryant is charged with one count of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country, with prosecutors alleging she encouraged and supported shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar through months of logistical support, money, and an agreement to livestream the attack via Discord.
