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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Seattle Judge Hears Bail Arguments Against Alleged Co-Conspirator
A district court judge in Seattle has declined to grant bail to James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old Bellingham, Wash. resident accused of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Bryant, whose lawyers state uses she/her pronouns and goes by Melody, was arrested on October 6 following the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting in British Columbia. The bail decision followed a hearing where both prosecutors and defense laid out arguments regarding Bryant's alleged involvement and suitability for release.
Charges Stem from Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting
Bryant’s charges emerge from an alleged conspiracy involving Jesse Van Rootselaar, who killed five students and one staff member at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10. Van Rootselaar’s actions also included the killing of her mother and stepbrother at their home before proceeding to the school campus. Prosecutors claim Bryant supported and encouraged Van Rootselaar's actions ahead of the attack.
Prosecution Outlines Online Conspiracy and Public Safety Concerns
Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg, prosecuting Bryant, argued that Bryant remains a flight risk and a danger to the public, opposing any bail. Greenberg’s memorandum to the court described Bryant’s role, primarily through online communications on the Discord platform, which included agreeing to livestream the attack, sending Van Rootselaar money, and providing logistical support over several months.
On February 9, the day before the shooting, Van Rootselaar reportedly relied on assurances from Bryant to livestream the event. Attempts to broadcast the attack lasted about 20 seconds before failing due to technical issues. Prosecutors allege Bryant also sent $14.33 to Van Rootselaar’s PayPal account intended for the purchase of a lighter to ignite an explosive device for use during the attack, though the transaction was reversed when the account was deactivated. Van Rootselaar is accused of using the explosive device during the shooting.
Greenberg further emphasized concerns over Bryant’s alleged substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicidal ideations, especially noting that such evidence was not reported to the Probation Office. In his submission, Greenberg wrote, “Anyone whose character allows them to help plan a mass shooting and then sits back and (literally) tries to watch as schoolchildren are murdered … is a danger to the community and should be detained pending trial.”
Defense Argues for Conditional Release and Disputes Prosecution Claims
In opposition, assistant federal public defenders Gregory Murphy and Dennis Carroll argued that Bryant cooperated with authorities in the aftermath of the attack and expressed horror at Van Rootselaar’s crimes. They underscored that Bryant had no prior criminal record, had never committed an act of violence, and lacked contact with others planning violence. The defense also emphasized Bryant’s stable residence, close community ties, and long-term employment, though the prosecution noted Bryant had admitted to possible employment difficulties due to calling in sick and the recent arrest.
Addressing claims regarding mental health, Murphy and Carroll acknowledged a brief period seeing a psychologist during high school and past use of medication for panic attacks, but stated there was no evidence of ongoing suicidality. Their filing stressed, “There is no evidence she has expressed a thought of harming herself in the last fourteen months. There is no evidence she ever has made plans to hurt herself.”
The defense also stated that Bryant lacked means or connections to flee and suggested possible conditions for release such as home detention, a mental health assessment, and strict limitations on internet usage.
Court Weighs Flight Risk, Mental Health, and Online Threats
Central to the court’s decision to deny bail were factors including Bryant’s alleged contributions to the online conspiracy, potential flight risk, and mental health concerns. Prosecutors maintained that Bryant’s continued online presence could pose an ongoing threat to public safety and argued no release conditions could fully mitigate this risk.
Ongoing Court Proceedings
Bryant remains in custody as the case proceeds. The Seattle court's review highlighted both prosecution and defense arguments involving the nature of the conspiracy to murder, Bryant’s involvement in the Tumbler Ridge shooting, and the balance between public safety and the rights of the accused. No trial date has been announced. The story is ongoing and further updates are expected as court proceedings continue.
Source: cbc.ca.
