OpenAI CEO Sam Altman apologises after failure to alert authorities before Canada mass shooting

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has apologised for failing to alert authorities about a user who later carried out a deadly mass shooting in Canada.

According to a letter reported by Tumbler RidgeLines and shared by British Columbia Premier David Eby, Altman acknowledged the company should have acted sooner after flagging the account months before the attack.

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The shooter, 18 year old Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in February before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

OpenAI said the user’s account had been flagged in June for misuse “in furtherance of violent activities” and was suspended.

However, the company did not inform law enforcement at the time, saying it did not meet the threshold of an imminent threat.

In his letter, Altman wrote, “I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June. While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered.”

“I reaffirm the commitment I made to the Mayor and the Premier to find ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future,” and said OpenAI would continue working with governments to improve safety.

“I want to express my deepest condolences to the entire community. No one should ever have to endure a tragedy like this.”