The British Columbia government is expressing “profound” concern after learning that OpenAI met with provincial officials just one day after a deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, yet failed to disclose that they had previously flagged the shooter as a high-risk user.
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In June 2025—eight months before the attack—OpenAI internal staff debated whether to report 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar to the police after her account was banned for promoting violence. They ultimately opted not to involve authorities, citing a lack of “imminent threat.”
The friction points identified by the province include:
- The Meeting: OpenAI representatives sat down with B.C. officials on February 11, 2026, for a scheduled discussion about AI technology.
- The Silence: Despite the province being in a state of shock over the shooting just 24 hours prior, OpenAI did not mention their prior interactions with the shooter or the ban they had placed on her account.
- The Discovery: The B.C. government only learned of OpenAI’s prior knowledge through recent investigative reporting, rather than through direct communication from the company.
Comparison of Perspectives
| Stakeholder | Key Argument |
| B.C. Premier David Eby | It is “unacceptable” and “disturbing” that a tech company held potentially life-saving intelligence and chose not to share it during a face-to-face meeting. |
| OpenAI Spokesperson | The company followed established safety protocols. At the time of the 2025 ban, the content did not meet the “specific and imminent” threshold required for law enforcement referral. |
| RCMP | Investigators are currently working to secure digital evidence that was only disclosed by the company after the tragedy occurred. |
The Policy Debate
This incident has reignited a fierce debate over AI corporate responsibility:
- Privacy vs. Safety: OpenAI argued that “over-reporting” every policy violation could lead to privacy overreach and a flood of low-quality leads for police.
- Moral Obligation: B.C. officials argue that when a tragedy occurs, companies have a moral duty to be transparent about any known red flags, especially during active government consultations.
“The families of the victims deserve to know why this information remained in a boardroom in California instead of in the hands of local law enforcement.” — Summary of Provincial Sentiment
