Canada Summons OpenAI Executives Over ChatGPT Use in Mass Shooting
Ottawa has summoned senior officials from OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, to address concerns over the company’s safety protocols following revelations that the account of a teenager who committed a mass shooting in British Columbia was flagged for potentially violent activity months before the attack, but not reported to authorities.
Concerns Raised by Canadian Officials
Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister, Evan Solomon, expressed deep concern over OpenAI’s handling of the situation. He stated he has formally requested the senior safety team from OpenAI to travel to Ottawa to explain their actions and safety procedures . Solomon described the decision not to alert law enforcement as “exceptionally disturbing” .
British Columbia Premier David Eby echoed these concerns, suggesting that OpenAI may have had an opportunity to prevent the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, where eight people were killed .
Timeline of Events
Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, was identified by police as the suspect in the February 10th shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. He is believed to have died by suicide following the attack . OpenAI flagged Van Rootselaar’s account in June 2025 due to “promoting violent activities” . The account was subsequently banned, but authorities were not notified.
OpenAI’s Response
OpenAI stated that it considered contacting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but determined that the account activity did not meet the threshold for referral, which requires an imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others . The company contacted the RCMP only after learning about the school shooting .
Government Response and Potential Regulation
Minister Solomon met with OpenAI officials on Sunday and indicated that all options, including potential regulation of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, are on the table . He emphasized that Canadians expect online platforms to prioritize safety, particularly for children .
Details of the Shooting
Police reported that Van Rootselaar killed his mother and stepbrother at his home before attacking the school in Tumbler Ridge, a remote community over 1,000 kilometers northeast of Vancouver . The victims included a 39-year-classic teaching assistant and five students aged 12 to 13 . This was the worst mass shooting in Canada since 2020 .