OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a formal apology after the company failed to notify law enforcement about the online activity of a person responsible for a fatal shooting in Tumngler Ridge, British Columbia, according to theguardian.com.
In a letter released Friday, Altman expressed deep condolences to the community following the massacre that claimed eight lives. The company had previously identified and banned the account of the suspect in June, but did not contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
"I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June," Altman said in the letter. "While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered."
The letter, dated Thursday, was shared on the social media accounts of British Columbia Premier David Eby and the local news site Tumbler RidgeLines.
On February 10, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar allegedly killed her 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, in their home. The suspect then traveled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she killed five children and an educator before taking her own life, theguardian.com reported.
The attack also left 25 people injured.
OpenAI admitted that its abuse detection efforts flagged Van Rootselaar’s account last June for the "furtherance of violent activities." However, the San Francisco-based firm decided at the time that the activity did not meet the threshold required to refer the matter to law enforcement.
Community reaction
British Columbia Premier David Eby stated following the incident that it "looks like" OpenAI had the opportunity to prevent the mass shooting. In a recent social media post, Eby described the apology as "necessary, and yet grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge."
Altman noted that he has spoken with Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka and Premier Eby to understand the local impact. He stated that the community's anger and sadness were clearly conveyed during these discussions.
"No one should ever have to endure a tragedy like this. I cannot imagine anything worse in this world than losing a child," Altman wrote. "My heart remains with the victims."
Altman pledged that the company will focus on working with all levels of government to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
