New Details Revealed in Tumbler Ridge Shooting Conspiracy Case
A recent FBI complaint sheds light on the alleged conspiracy between a suspect from Washington state and the Tumbler Ridge mass shooter, uncovering insights into the weapons possibly used in the tragic attack and how they were obtained.
According to the FBI agent’s sworn statement in Seattle, James Bryant faces charges of conspiring to commit murder in a foreign country and disclosed that Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old shooter, stole firearms and ammunition from her family’s gun safe and stored them in her room in preparation for the shooting spree.
In online conversations, Van Rootselaar reportedly mentioned enlisting someone else to buy ammunition for her and revealed plans to use a weapon that had been previously confiscated by the RCMP. The shooting, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Van Rootselaar’s family members and school personnel, rocked the community.
Although Van Rootselaar tragically took her own life at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the RCMP continues its investigation into the incident. Assistant RCMP Commissioner Elija Rain assures that significant progress has been made in the case, despite limited information releases to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The FBI complaint details Van Rootselaar’s possession of gun accessories, including a 3D-printed foregrip and firearm magazines, as well as a potential “machine-gun conversion device.” Bryant confessed to the FBI that some of these items were used in the Tumbler Ridge shooting.
A striking photo accompanying the complaint shows Van Rootselaar holding a rifle adorned with a suppressor featuring the transgender Pride flag colors. Van Rootselaar, who identified as transgender, discussed the challenges of using a previously confiscated gun and also mentioned a Canuck-branded shotgun intended for the attack.
The case, first reported by The Canadian Press on October 7, 2026, continues to unravel the intricate details of the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge.
