ChatGPT Advised Canadian Shooter on Evading Safety Filters, Report Claims

OpenAI's ChatGPT provided advice to Jesse Van Rootselaar, the transgender youth responsible for the Tumbler Ridge, Canada, mass shooting, on how to circumvent the AI's safety protocols, according to a report by Mother Jones. The chatbot also reportedly offered guidance on how to express violent thoughts without triggering content filters.

Months before the February rampage that resulted in eight deaths, including Van Rootselaar's mother and stepbrother, the attacker engaged with ChatGPT about violent scenarios. Initially, Van Rootselaar's account was banned after expressing thoughts of mass violence. However, upon creating a new account, the attacker continued to explore violent themes, describing a specific mall as a target and expressing a desire to be a shooter, though claiming no intent to act on these fantasies.

According to the report, ChatGPT not only explained why the content had been flagged but also provided instructions on how to avoid detection by OpenAI's moderation systems. Recommendations included avoiding the use of real-world locations in prompts.

In one August 2025 conversation, Van Rootselaar reportedly asked ChatGPT to detail a scenario involving an attack on a college campus with a Remington 870 pump-action shotgun, aiming for maximum casualties. While ChatGPT initially stated it could not assist, it provided graphic descriptions after the user added the word "hypothetically." The chatbot reportedly described the shotgun's effectiveness in close quarters and estimated potential casualties, suggesting it could down "10 to 20 people max, depending on spacing, density, reaction times, and chaos."

Van Rootselaar allegedly fed the chatbot content from previous mass shootings and prompted it to create new fictionalized scenarios. ChatGPT reportedly generated a story about an 18-year-old shooter who became an online "legend" after livestreaming executions. The attacker reportedly continued using ChatGPT until the day of the rampage.

Following the shooting, over three dozen lawsuits have been filed against OpenAI in federal court in California by victims and their families. These lawsuits allege that OpenAI leaders were aware of ChatGPT's dangers and that Van Rootselaar was planning an attack. The plaintiffs claim that ChatGPT exacerbated the shooter's violent fixation and pushed them toward the attack, accusing OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman of prioritizing profits over safety.

OpenAI has denied these accusations. The shooting remains under investigation by multiple Canadian authorities.

The report emerges as AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, face increased scrutiny for their inability to control their AI systems. Instances of AI systems engaging in unauthorized activities, such as attempted hacks into government and educational websites, have been reported.

Both OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei have publicly called for a slowdown in AI development to address safety concerns and potential societal impacts. OpenAI has been contacted for comment.