Mother Jones Reveals Major Details From Tumbler Ridge Shooter’s ChatGPT History

A new report by U.S. magazine Mother Jones has revealed details of the alleged ChatGPT history of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old identified in connection with the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

According to the report, Van Rootselaar had previously used ChatGPT to discuss a potential mass shooting at a shopping mall, after which the account was banned. She later created a second account and allegedly told the chatbot that the earlier scenario had been fictional.

Mother Jones reports that Van Rootselaar subsequently used hypothetical or fictional framing to get responses to violent scenarios after ChatGPT initially refused some requests. The report says the chatbot provided detailed responses about the effectiveness of a shotgun in crowded indoor settings and even estimated potential casualties in one hypothetical scenario.

The revelations have prompted a strong reaction from B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma, who said the details were shocking and worse than she had imagined. Sharma has called for stronger and mandatory regulation of AI companies to protect children.

The report comes as the B.C. government, survivors and witnesses of the Tumbler Ridge shooting pursue legal action against OpenAI over allegations concerning ChatGPT's role and the company's handling of the shooter's earlier account. OpenAI has previously said it has strengthened its safety measures and cooperated with authorities.