Summary
OpenAI banned a ChatGPT account linked to Jesse Van Rootselaar in June 2025, more than six months before a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The company did not inform the authorities about the account because it did not meet their criteria for a credible or immediate threat. After the shooting, which resulted in eight deaths and several injuries, OpenAI shared information with Canadian police.
Key Facts
- OpenAI banned an account belonging to Jesse Van Rootselaar in June 2025 for potential misuse related to violence.
- Van Rootselaar is suspected of killing eight people and injuring 27 in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on February 12.
- OpenAI did not alert authorities initially as the account did not meet their danger threshold.
- The AI company later provided details to Canadian police after the event.
- OpenAI only alerts law enforcement in cases of credible and imminent danger.
- Van Rootselaar was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot at the site of the shooting.
- The suspect's mother and step-brother were among those killed.
- The motive for the attack is still unknown.
