A U.S. man accused of encouraging the deadly Tumbler Ridge school shooting in British Columbia maintained regular contact with the attacker for months before the tragedy, according to court documents that have raised concerns about the normalization of violence in online relationships.
James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old resident of Washington state, has been charged in connection with the February mass shooting. Authorities allege that Bryant provided financial assistance, advice and encouragement to shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar, while also offering to livestream the attack.
Court records indicate that the two first connected online approximately three years before the shooting, with their communication becoming nearly daily during the six months leading up to the violence.
Amarnath Amarasingam, an associate professor at Queen’s University who specializes in extremism and radicalization, said the most troubling aspect of their exchanges was the seemingly ordinary nature of conversations involving plans for mass violence.
Despite discussing the possibility of killing numerous people, the pair also exchanged personal experiences and spoke about shared struggles surrounding their transgender identities.
According to Amarasingam, their communications reflected a genuine friendship in which discussions of everyday life existed alongside disturbing conversations about carrying out an attack.
The professor, who has spent approximately two decades researching extremism, said the casual treatment of such violent plans demonstrated how repeated discussions can gradually make extreme behaviour appear acceptable.
U.S. prosecutors allege that Bryant had sufficient information to warn authorities about the impending attack but failed to intervene.
Neal Floyd, acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, said Bryant repeatedly communicated with the shooter, provided assistance and discussed the possibility of notifying law enforcement before ultimately choosing not to report the threat.
Investigators also revealed that Bryant allegedly helped arrange a livestream of the shooting. According to court documents, Bryant informed Van Rootselaar on the day of the attack that the broadcast was functioning while the shooter was still at home. The stream reportedly stopped working approximately 10 minutes later.
Amarasingam said the exchanges illustrate how prolonged exposure to violent discussions can contribute to the normalization of extremist behaviour, particularly when reinforced through close online relationships.
He also highlighted the role of social media and the pursuit of notoriety in motivating some mass attackers.
Court documents reveal that Van Rootselaar asked Bryant whether the shooting would attract supporters or admirers. Bryant allegedly responded that it likely would.
The professor explained that individuals contemplating mass violence may seek recognition or believe their actions will give them significance within certain online communities.
He warned that even limited encouragement can have a powerful influence, particularly when it comes from someone with whom an individual has developed a strong emotional connection.
According to Amarasingam, the approval of a single person can sometimes carry considerable psychological weight, even without a large online audience.
The allegations against Bryant have renewed concerns about the influence of online relationships, the pursuit of notoriety and the potential consequences of failing to report credible threats of violence.
The charges against Bryant remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
