Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, recently apologized for the events that took place in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Premier David Eby says his apology doesn’t go far enough.
Tumbler Ridge, a small community in B.C., was left reeling after a devastating shooting took many lives this February.
In the aftermath of the shooting, it was revealed that the suspect had been banned from the OpenAI platform for discussing violence.
OpenAI did not inform law enforcement of that development.
“No one should ever have to endure a tragedy like this. I cannot imagine anything worse in the world than losing a child,” Altman wrote in a letter to the community of Tumbler Ridge.
“I reaffirm the commitment I made to the mayor and the premier to find ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future,” Altman said, mentioning that he’ll ensure to keep working with all levels of government to ensure nothing like this happens again.
“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,” Altman added.
Eby issued a response to the apology, saying, “The apology is necessary, and yet grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge.”
We will continue to stand with Mayor Darryl Krakowa and the people of Tumbler Ridge in the difficult work ahead. 2/2
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) April 24, 2026
In response to Eby’s post, many pointed out that the OpenAI situation was only one of the factors involved in the deadly tragedy.
The 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed her mother and half-brother in her family home before heading to the school. Van Rootselaar was a Tumbler Ridge resident and was found deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Three 12-year-old students were among the deceased.