Breaking News: OpenAI CEO Apologizes After Mass Shooting
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued an apology regarding the company’s failure to alert law enforcement about the concerning activities of Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old who committed a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026. The attack resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including Rootselaar’s mother and half-brother, as well as five students at a local secondary school.
Rootselaar, who identified as female, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the shooting. OpenAI reported that Rootselaar’s ChatGPT account was flagged for misuse in June 2025, leading to its suspension. However, the company did not inform authorities, stating that Rootselaar’s usage did not meet the criteria for a credible threat.
In a letter shared with local news and British Columbia Premier David Eby, Altman acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret for not notifying law enforcement. He emphasized the company’s commitment to preventing future tragedies and expressed condolences to the Tumbler Ridge community.
