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Canada Summons OpenAI Safety Team Over Flagged Chats Before Tumbler Ridge Shooting

Officials seek a detailed account of the company's law-enforcement referral rules following reports of internal debate last year.

Overview

  • Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said OpenAI leaders were called to Ottawa to explain safety protocols and disclosure decisions.
  • OpenAI’s systems flagged Jesse Van Rootselaar’s violent prompts in June 2025, and the account was banned after review without a referral under its ‘imminent and credible’ standard.
  • The company says it proactively contacted the RCMP after the Feb. 10 attack and is supporting the investigation.
  • Reporting describes staff urging a law-enforcement alert while leadership declined, sharpening scrutiny of how AI firms weigh privacy against public safety.
  • Investigators are reviewing the suspect’s prior police welfare checks and online activity, including a Roblox simulation and firearms-related posts, to assess planning and motive.