OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Apologizes for Not Reporting Canada Shooter’s ChatGPT Use
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has issued an apology to the communities affected by a tragic mass shooting in Canada. This incident occurred on February 10, 2023, in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, resulting in the loss of eight lives.
Details of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting
The mass shooting took place at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. An 18-year-old, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was responsible for the attack, fatally shooting six individuals. Van Rootselaar’s mother and younger brother were later found dead in a nearby residence. He ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
ChatGPT Use and Apology
In a letter shared on social media by British Columbia Premier David Eby, Altman expressed regret for not notifying law enforcement about the shooter’s ChatGPT account prior to the attack. The account was banned in June 2025, approximately eight months before the shooting.
Altman wrote, “I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June.” He acknowledged the pain endured by the Tumbler Ridge community, stating, “Your community has endured is unimaginable.”
Investigation Findings
After the shooting, OpenAI revealed that the ChatGPT account had been flagged by both automated tools and human investigators for potential abuse related to violent activities. However, the account was not deemed an imminent threat that warranted a referral to law enforcement at that time.
- Date of Incident: February 10, 2023
- Location: Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
- Casualties: 8 dead, including 6 students
- Perpetrator: Jesse Van Rootselaar, aged 18
Ongoing Evaluations and Future Actions
Altman emphasized that OpenAI is committed to enhancing preventive measures to ensure such tragedies do not recur. He stated that the company would continue to support law enforcement investigations related to the shooting.
Related Criminal Investigation in Florida
In a separate incident, OpenAI is under investigation by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The investigation concerns messages exchanged between ChatGPT and a student involved in a shooting at Florida State University in April 2025. Two people died, and several others were injured in that event.
The Attorney General announced that his office is issuing subpoenas to OpenAI for protocols related to reporting potential criminal activities. OpenAI has proposed that it identified a ChatGPT account linked to the Florida shooter and reached out to law enforcement following the incident.
Altman’s statements and the ongoing investigations illustrate the critical dialogue surrounding AI technology and its implications for safety and law enforcement practices. OpenAI is taking these matters seriously, as it aims to improve its impact on society.
