OpenAI Moves to Dismiss US Mass Shooting Lawsuits, Citing Canadian Jurisdiction
In October 2026, OpenAI filed motions to dismiss US lawsuits related to the Tumbler Ridge shooting, claiming Canadian courts have jurisdiction.
Why it matters: This legal dispute highlights challenges in assigning jurisdiction for AI liability across borders, affecting how companies and legal teams manage AI-related risks globally.
- February 10, 2026: Jesse Van Rootselaar fatally shot seven at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
- April 2026: Victims' families filed negligence lawsuits against OpenAI in US federal courts alleging failure to prevent harm.
- September 2026: British Columbia government sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman in California, seeking damages and AI safety reforms.
- October 2026: OpenAI filed motions to dismiss US suits, arguing Canadian courts are the proper forum based on where the incident and users are located.
On February 10, 2026, Jesse Van Rootselaar carried out a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, killing seven people before taking her own life. The attack included five students and one teacher among the victims.
OpenAI’s internal safety team had flagged Van Rootselaar’s ChatGPT account as early as June 2025 due to discussions about gun violence, but no law enforcement notification was made. In April 2026, the families of the victims filed negligence lawsuits in US federal court, alleging that OpenAI’s failure to intervene contributed to the tragedy. These court filings detail claims about missed safety opportunities by OpenAI.
In September 2026, the government of British Columbia filed a separate lawsuit in California against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman. The suit demands damages and seeks changes to ChatGPT’s safety protocols, accusing OpenAI of inadequate safeguards to prevent misuse of its AI technology.
In response, OpenAI filed motions in October 2026 seeking dismissal of the US lawsuits. The company argues that because the incident occurred in Canada and involved Canadian users, Canadian courts have primary jurisdiction. This legal position emphasizes the importance of respecting territorial connections and applicable legal frameworks where harm arises. Bloomberg coverage cites OpenAI’s call for clear jurisdictional rules addressing cross-border AI liabilities.
British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma has voiced determination to hold OpenAI accountable and enforce changes to AI safety, underscoring governmental roles in regulating emerging technologies. The unfolding litigation spotlights how courts will navigate the complex intersection of AI, jurisdiction, and corporate responsibility in international contexts.
By the numbers:
- 7 victims — shot dead in Tumbler Ridge school shooting on February 10, 2026
- June 2025 — month OpenAI flagged shooter’s ChatGPT account for violent content
- April 2026 — month victim families filed negligence lawsuits against OpenAI in US courts
- September 2026 — British Columbia government filed lawsuit against OpenAI in California
Yes, but: OpenAI’s jurisdictional argument depends on courts accepting Canadian primacy, which US plaintiffs may challenge based on OpenAI’s US-based operations and where legal harm claims are pursued.
What's next: Upcoming hearings on OpenAI’s dismissal motions are scheduled for late 2026, which will test jurisdictional boundaries in AI liability cases.