Tumbler Ridge suspect's ChatGPT account banned before shooting
OpenAI said the account's activity did not meet the threshold to flag it to authorities when it was identified.
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Notable Quotes
"A thorough review of the content on electronic devices, as well as social media and online activities of Van Rootselaar is taking place."
— Kris Clark , Other
"In June 2025, we proactively identified an account associated with this individual via our abuse detection and enforcement efforts."
— Jesse Van Rootselaar , Other
"In June 2025, we proactively identified an account associated with this individual [Jesse Van Rootselaar] via our abuse detection and enforcement efforts, which include automated tools and human investigations to identify misuses of our models in furtherance of violent activities."
— OpenAI , Executive
"As part of the investigation, digital and physical evidence is being collected, prioritized, and methodically processed."
— Kris Clark , Other
"This includes a thorough review of the content on electronic devices, as well as social media and online activities."
— Kris Clark , Other
"In June 2025, we proactively identified an account associated with this individual [Jesse Van Roetselaar] through our abuse detection and enforcement efforts, which include automated tools and human investigations to detect abuse."
— Jesse Van Roetselaar , Other
Key People
Mother of Jesse VanRootelsar, killed in the shooting.
Jesse Van Roetselaar is suspected of committing a mass shooting in British Columbia.
Suspect in the Tumbler Ridge shooting that resulted in eight deaths.
suspected perpetrator of a mass shooting in British Columbia.
RCMP Staff Sergeant providing information on the investigation following the Tumbler Ridge shooting.
OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research organization that aims to promote and develop friendly AI.
Tags
All Coverage
OpenAI said the account's activity did not meet the threshold to flag it to authorities when it was identified.
OpenAI identified suspicious activity by Jesse Van Rootselaar in June 2025 and banned the account, but did not alert authorities at that time.
OpenAI flagged Jesse Van Rootselaar's account in June 2025 for 'furtherance of violent activities' but did not refer it to law enforcement.
OpenAI banned Jesse Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account in June 2025 for violating its usage policy but did not alert authorities at that time.
OpenAI identified and banned Jesse Van Rootselaar's account in June 2025 for misuse but did not refer it to law enforcement.
OpenAI banned Jesse Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account in June 2025 for violating its usage policy but did not alert authorities at that time.
OpenAI identified and banned Jesse Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account in June 2025 for misuse but did not refer it to law enforcement.
OpenAI blocked Jesse Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account six months before the shooting but did not notify authorities because it did not meet the threat threshold.
OpenAI banned Jesse Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account in June 2025 for violating usage policies but determined the activity did not warrant alerting law enforcement. After the February 2026 shooting, OpenAI contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with information on the suspect's use of ChatGPT.
OpenAI identified and banned Jesse Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account in June 2025 for misuse but did not refer it to law enforcement.
OpenAI identified and banned Jesse Van Rootselaar's ChatGPT account in June 2025 for violating its usage policy. The company considered alerting authorities but determined the activity did not meet the threshold for referral. After the shooting, OpenAI contacted Canadian police with information on the individual and their use of ChatGPT.
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