Sam Altman apologizes for not reporting ChatGPT account of Tumbler Ridge suspect

Two months after the deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has formally apologized for not informing police of alarming ChatGPT conversations seen with the suspect's account. Before the incident, OpenAI banned the account belonging to the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, for violating its usage policy due to potential for real-world violence. Altman wrote in a letter that he is deeply sorry the company did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June. He added that he spoke with Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowa and British Columbia Premier David Eby, and agreed that a public apology was necessary but that time was needed to respect the community as it grieved. Eby, who highlighted Altman's letter in a post on X, agreed that the apology is necessary but said it was grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge. Altman reaffirmed that OpenAI would find ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future and work with all levels of government. The commitment builds on a previous letter from OpenAI vice president of global policy Ann O'Leary, who said the company would notify authorities if it finds imminent and credible threats in ChatGPT conversations.