Victims’ families demand answers from OpenAI in Canada shooting case

The incident happened on February 10, 2026, when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rutselaar killed his mother and younger brother at home. Then he went to his former school and shot a teacher and five students before taking his own life. According to the complaint, OpenAI’s system had flagged dangerous conversations related to gun violence in June 2025, months before the attack. However, the plaintiffs allege that the company did not report this information to law enforcement agencies.

The victim’s families are asking for compensation and want the court to order changes in OpenAI’s safety policies. They are demanding stricter rules, including sharing serious threats with government authorities. OpenAI has denied all allegations and called the incident tragic. The company said it is improving ChatGPT’s safety features, such as identifying risky behavior and connecting users to mental health support. 

After this case, Canada’s AI Minister Evan Solomon said the government is considering new rules for AI chatbots. Authorities are also reviewing OpenAI’s safety systems to prevent such incidents in the future.