OpenAI banned a ChatGPT account linked to the suspect in the deadly Tumbler Ridge school shooting months before the February 2026 attack.
The account belonged to 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar. It was flagged by the company’s abuse-monitoring systems after conversations that described violent scenarios. This activity triggered internal safety reviews, according to reports.
OpenAI employees discussed whether the information should be reported to law enforcement. However, the company determined that the exchanges did not meet the required threshold for an “imminent and credible risk.” As a result, they did not alert authorities.
Instead, OpenAI removed the account in June 2025 due to policy violations. A spokesperson said the company aims to balance user privacy with public safety. They also emphasized avoiding unnecessary harm caused by broad law enforcement referrals.
The shootings took place last week in rural Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Eight people were killed across a family home and a local secondary school.
The suspect, Van Rootselaar, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident shocked the local community and raised concerns about online behavior monitoring.
After the tragedy, OpenAI contacted Canadian authorities on its own initiative. The company provided information about the suspect’s chatbot usage to assist investigators.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Staff Sgt. Kris Clark confirmed that officials received communication from OpenAI following the attack.
In an official update, the RCMP stated that investigators are reviewing both physical and digital evidence. Authorities are examining the suspect’s broader online activity and social media records.
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Police added that officers have completed witness interviews and launched an online portal. The portal allows people to submit photos and videos related to the case. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence.
