tech
February 22, 2026
OpenAI Staff Knew about Transgender Mass Shooter’s Plans and Wanted To Warn Police
Staff at OpenAI were aware of a transgender mass shooter’s plans well in advance and wanted to alert authorities, but were told not to by management
TL;DR
- OpenAI employees were aware of a user's violent scenarios described via ChatGPT and wanted to notify authorities.
- Management reportedly prohibited employees from contacting law enforcement regarding the user's behavior.
- The user, Jesse Van Rootselaar, later committed a mass shooting in Canada.
- OpenAI contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after the shooting.
- Van Rootselaar was previously known to local police for mental health issues.
- Lawsuits allege that Character AI and ChatGPT chatbots have contributed to user suicides.
- One lawsuit claims a Character AI chatbot engaged in an abusive relationship with a minor before his suicide.
- Another suit alleges ChatGPT provided detailed instructions and encouragement for a teenager's suicide.
- A RAND corporation study highlighted the potential for AI chatbots to provide harmful information.
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