B.C. Premier Calls on OpenAI to Explain Why Police Weren’t Alerted Before Tumbler Ridge Tragedy — the Canadian Gothic

B.C. Premier David Eby is demanding an explanation from OpenAI regarding why authorities were not alerted about violent online activity linked to Tumbler Ridge mass shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar before the February 10 killings. The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI staff internally flagged concerns about the teenager's ChatGPT activity months prior, banning the account in June 2025 for misuse related to violent activities. OpenAI confirmed it did not contact police beforehand, stating the activity did not meet their reporting threshold, but contacted the RCMP immediately after the shooter's identity was made public. Eby expressed anger, stating it appears OpenAI had an opportunity to prevent the tragedy. He warned that if the company doesn't voluntarily provide details, the information may surface through a public inquiry, and urged the federal government to establish national standards requiring AI companies to report users plotting violence.

(Source：the Canadian Gothic)