OpenAI Summoned to Ottawa Following Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon has summoned representatives from OpenAI to Ottawa to address safety concerns stemming from the February 10th mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The move follows revelations that the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, had been banned from using OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform months prior to the attack.
Shooter Banned from ChatGPT Prior to Attack
OpenAI banned Jesse Van Rootselaar’s account in June 2025 after it was flagged for troubling posts, including scenarios involving gun violence . However, the company determined at the time that the account’s activity did not meet the threshold for reporting to law enforcement, as it did not identify credible or imminent planning .
Government Concerns and Response
Minister Solomon expressed deep disturbance over the reports that concerning online activity was not reported to law enforcement in a timely manner . He stated that Canadians expect online platforms, including OpenAI, to have “robust safety protocols and escalation practices” to protect public safety .
Details of the Tumbler Ridge Shooting
On February 10th, Jesse Van Rootselaar shot and killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The victims included her mother and half-brother at her home, as well as five students and an educational assistant at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School . Van Rootselaar was later found dead inside the school from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound . Police have noted the suspect had known psychological problems.
Worst School Shooting in Canada Since 1989
According to Canadian media reports, the Tumbler Ridge shooting is the worst incident of its kind at a school in Canada since 1989 .
OpenAI’s Response
OpenAI confirmed that Van Rootselaar’s account was identified in June 2025 for “abuse and detection and enforcement efforts” . The company is cooperating with authorities and is expected to discuss its safety protocols during the meetings in Ottawa.