According to reports from sources including The Wall Street Journal, Jesse Van Rootselaar – who sH๏τ and killed nine people last Tuesday, including six local school students and her own mother – had an account on ChatGPT and posted content about gun violence there.

Canadian media reports indicate that OpenAI’s internal monitoring mechanisms detected troubling posts last year and flagged them accordingly. As a result, the user’s account was closed.

The Wall Street Journal reported that company employees considered notifying law enforcement, fearing the potential consequences of the situation. Ultimately, however, OpenAI did not notify the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). According to the media, the company concluded that the threat level did not allow for a credible determination of any plans to use firearms in the near future.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said in a statement Saturday that the reports of a lack of prior notification to police were “deeply disturbing” to the victims’ families and the region’s residents. He emphasized that “the pain these families have endured is unimaginable.”

Eby announced that police are executing seizure orders for all possible evidence related to the shooting held by digital services companies, including social media platforms and AI companies. He also appealed to anyone with information about the case to contact law enforcement. He ᴀssured that the provincial government will use all available resources to support the police response.

Federal Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon said Saturday that he remains in contact with OpenAI and other AI platforms regarding their safety protocols. He added that the federal government is monitoring developments and that “all options are on the table” to ensure public safety and child protection are built into AI technologies from the outset.

The RCMP said OpenAI contacted investigators after the events at Tumbler Ridge. The Canadian Press reported that both digital and physical evidence is being collected as part of the investigation.

The agency also reported that OpenAI representatives attended a previously scheduled meeting with British Columbia authorities after the tragedy. During that meeting, the company did not mention its prior concerns about the user’s activity. Only a day later did OpenAI request contact with the RCMP.

The investigation into the Tumbler Ridge shooting continues.