OpenAI’s Sam Altman apologizes to Canadian community after failing to flag mass shooter’s conversations with its AI chatbot
https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/24/world/sam-altman-openai-apologize-tumbler-ridge
Publish Date: 2026-04-24 17:56:00
Source Domain: www.cnn.com
- Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, formally apologized to the community of Tumbler Ridge, BC, after a mass shooting that occurred in February.
- Altman admitted that his company failed to alert authorities about the shooter’s disturbing online conversations with its AI chatbot, despite internal flagging.
- In a letter dated April 23, Altman expressed deep regret for not notifying law enforcement and recognized the community’s significant loss and harm.
- The mass shooter killed eight people, including six children from the local school, in February.
- Altman stated that he has been in communication with Tumbler Ridge authorities and expressed his deepest condolences to the families and the entire community.
- Altman committed to finding methods to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, shared Altman’s apology letter, criticizing it as grossly insufficient for the tragic loss experienced by the families.
- When questioned for comment, OpenAI referred to a previous letter it had sent to Canada’s minister of artificial intelligence following the tragedy.
