A mass school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia left eight people dead in February this year. The 18-year-old shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, a transgender woman, had been using the OpenAI ChatGPT platform to discuss violent ideas months before the tragedy.

The company banned her account in June 2025, but did not report her to law enforcement, citing a lack of imminent threat. However, under new security guidelines introduced after her suspension, the account would have been flagged and reported to the police.

In a public apology, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the company's failure to alert authorities, stating,

"I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered."

The lawsuit, which is being coordinated with the families who have already filed a case in the US, aims to hold OpenAI accountable for its failure to prevent the tragedy. British Columbia wants to ensure that the company's actions do not leave the people and communities affected by the tragedy to bear the costs of its wrongdoing. Funds from the lawsuit will be used to support the construction of a new school in Tumbler Ridge.

The province is not shying away from taking on powerful corporations when their actions cause harm to people and communities, as emphasized by Attorney General Niki Sharma.

"British Columbia has never shied away from taking on powerful corporations when their actions cause harm to people and communities," she said.

The case against OpenAI has been ongoing, with the company receiving criticism for its role in the tragedy. The lawsuit highlights the importance of responsible AI development and the need for greater accountability in the tech industry.

Key Facts

  • Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old school shooter, used the OpenAI ChatGPT platform to discuss violent ideas months before the tragedy.
  • The company banned her account in June 2025 but did not report her to law enforcement.
  • OpenAI has updated its security guidelines since the incident, which would have flagged and reported Van Rootselaar's account.
  • The lawsuit aims to hold OpenAI accountable for its failure to prevent the tragedy.
  • Funds from the lawsuit will be used to support the construction of a new school in Tumbler Ridge.
  • British Columbia has retained lawyers in Canada and California to pursue the case.
  • The province wants to use the court system to ensure that the costs of corporate wrongdoing do not fall on the people and communities affected by the tragedy.