OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has confirmed that it identified and banned the account of a Canadian school shooting suspect months before last week’s deadly attack.
In a statement, the San Francisco-based firm said its internal systems flagged the account of 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar in June 2025 for the “furtherance of violent activities.” The account was subsequently blocked for violating company policy.
However, OpenAI decided not to alert law enforcement at that time, concluding the activity did not meet its threshold for referral.
The development was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Why Law Enforcement Was Not Notified
OpenAI clarified that its internal standard for contacting authorities requires an “imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others.”
According to the company, its review did not reveal evidence of immediate or concrete planning when the account was assessed. As a result, it determined that the situation did not cross the threshold necessary to involve police.
Following the shooting, OpenAI said it proactively contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and shared information about the suspect’s use of ChatGPT.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. We proactively reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with information on the individual and their use of ChatGPT, and we’ll continue to support their investigation,” a company spokesperson said.
Police Investigating Digital Evidence
RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark confirmed that OpenAI contacted authorities after the shooting.
Investigators are conducting a comprehensive review of electronic devices, social media activity, and other online records linked to the suspect. Officials said digital and physical evidence is being collected and processed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
Police stated that the suspect allegedly killed family members at home before launching an attack at a school in Tumbler Ridge.
The victims included a 39-year-old teaching assistant and five students aged 12 to 13. Authorities said the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officials noted that the individual had prior mental health contacts with police. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
The incident is being described as Canada’s deadliest mass killing since the 2020 Nova Scotia tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have emphasized that the case remains active. Investigators continue to analyse both digital and physical evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The case has also raised broader questions about technology platforms, content monitoring, and the threshold for reporting potential threats to law enforcement.
