OpenAI faces new legal challenges over tumbler ridge school shooting

A law firm representing victims and families of the Tumbler Ridge school shooting has filed 30 additional lawsuits against OpenAI, accusing the company of aiding and abetting the attack. The new complaints, filed in a California court, allege that OpenAI failed to alert Canadian authorities about a teenager’s threats, despite internal warnings. The shooting occurred on February 10, 2026, when Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her family and six students before taking her own life. OpenAI claims its internal policies did not meet the threshold for an 'imminent and credible risk' to justify contacting law enforcement. Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s chief strategy officer, defended the company’s actions, emphasizing safety considerations. The lawsuits also target Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, who is accused of overriding threat assessments, though no direct evidence of his involvement has been presented. The complaints reference a November 2025 incident where OpenAI locked down its offices after an alleged threat, contradicting its previous justification for not notifying authorities in the Tumbler Ridge case. The plaintiffs argue that OpenAI’s decision-making process prioritizes public relations over safety, citing Lehane’s influence over the Intelligence and Investigations Team. Jay Edelson, the lead lawyer, stated that the case is based on internal documents and broader investigations. OpenAI has denied any involvement by Lehane, asserting that safety remains a top priority. The lawsuits seek to challenge the company’s defense of privacy and imminence, highlighting discrepancies in its response to threats.