In June 2025, OpenAI took action against an account associated with Jesse Van Rootselaar for violating its usage policy, specifically misuse that could lead to violence. The account was flagged by systems designed to monitor potential harmful behaviors, indicating that the user had engaged in discussions around scenarios involving gun violence. Despite internal debates among OpenAI staff about whether to report the account to law enforcement, the company ultimately decided against it, citing a lack of credible imminent danger at the time. This decision came back into the spotlight when, in February 2026, Van Rootselaar was accused of committing one of Canada’s most severe mass shootings in Tumbler Ridge, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and wounding approximately 25 others before taking her own life. Following the incident, OpenAI reached out to Canadian authorities to provide information about Van Rootselaar's previous use of ChatGPT, expressing their condolences to those affected by the tragedy. The case has raised significant concerns about the responsibilities of AI companies in monitoring and acting on potential threats, and whether their protocols are sufficient to prevent real-world harm stemming from online activities. OpenAI maintains that their systems are in place to help mitigate potential risks, and they continue to collaborate with law enforcement in their investigations.