B.C. government files new legal claims against OpenAI over Tumbler Ridge tragedy

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma announced Tuesday that the province is supporting additional legal claims against OpenAI and exploring its own legal options to hold the company accountable for its role in the Tumbler Ridge tragedy of February 10, 2026.

The tragedy claimed multiple lives, including children and adults, plus the shooter. New lawsuits have been filed in U.S. federal court in California by survivors, educators, a principal, and students, including siblings who were separated during the attack.

Sharna's statement focuses on OpenAI's documented failure to notify law enforcement about explicit threats made by the perpetrator on the ChatGPT platform. "My thoughts remain with everyone whose lives were forever changed by the events of Feb. 10, 2026, in Tumbler Ridge," Sharma said. "No family, student or community should ever have to endure such profound trauma and loss."

The lawsuits allege that OpenAI's safety team asked repeatedly to notify authorities about Jesse Van Rootselaar's activity on ChatGPT—specifically his planning of violent scenarios—which occurred months before the attack. According to the lawsuits, Chris Lehane, OpenAI's head of global affairs, overruled safety staff appeals to contact police.

Sharna said the province is disappointed that OpenAI has made no meaningful efforts to address the harm suffered by those affected. "The commitments made by OpenAI's leadership, including Sam Altman and Ann O'Leary, have yet to be matched by meaningful action," she said.

The province's legal action will be separate from the litigation initiated by families and community members but may proceed in parallel. B.C. is also working to secure support for community rebuilding efforts, including construction of a new Tumbler Ridge school facility.