The US Department of Justice has arrested a second suspect, James Codey Bryant, 30, in connection with a Canadian mass school shooting in which an 18-year-old allegedly killed six children after discussing the plan with the AI chatbot ChatGPT.
Key facts
- James Codey Bryant, 30, a resident of western Washington state, was arrested by the US Department of Justice.
- He faces a charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country.
- Prosecutors allege Bryant offered 'technical advice' to the primary suspect.
- The primary suspect is an 18-year-old accused of killing six children.
- The shooting was reportedly planned after discussions with the AI chatbot ChatGPT.
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass school shooting in Canada that drew international attention after it was allegedly planned with the help of the AI chatbot ChatGPT. The US Department of Justice said on Tuesday it had detained James Codey Bryant, 30, a resident of western Washington state.
Bryant faces a charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country, according to the Guardian. Prosecutors allege that he offered ‘technical advice’ to the primary suspect in the case.
The primary suspect is an 18-year-old who allegedly killed six children in the attack. According to the Guardian, the shooting became notorious after reports that the suspect had discussed the plan with ChatGPT before carrying it out.
The arrest of a suspected accomplice in the United States adds an international dimension to a case already under intense scrutiny. The charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country reflects the cross-border nature of the alleged plot, with a US resident accused of involvement in an attack carried out in Canada.
The case has renewed attention on the role artificial intelligence tools may play when individuals seek information or guidance online. Details about the exact nature of the discussions with the chatbot, and what advice Bryant is alleged to have provided, were not specified in the available reporting.
Why it matters
The case highlights growing concern about how AI chatbots like ChatGPT may be used by people planning violent acts, and raises questions about cross-border accountability. The arrest of a US resident over an attack in Canada shows how such plots can span national boundaries and legal systems.
Frequently asked questions
Who is James Codey Bryant?
According to the Guardian, James Codey Bryant is a 30-year-old resident of western Washington state who was detained by the US Department of Justice as a second suspect in the case.
What is Bryant charged with?
He faces a charge of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country, and prosecutors allege he offered 'technical advice' to the primary suspect.
How is ChatGPT connected to the shooting?
The Guardian reports the attack became notorious after the 18-year-old primary suspect allegedly discussed the plan with the AI chatbot ChatGPT before killing six children.