OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a public apology after the company failed to notify authorities about a user who later carried out a deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

The attack took place in February and left eight people dead, including the shooter’s family members, several children, and a school staff member. The suspect, an 18-year-old transgender woman, died at the scene.

OpenAI reportedly had flagged the individual’s account for concerning activity such as violent behavior and banned it in June 2025. 

At the time, the company made the decision that the activity did not meet the standard for reporting to law enforcement.

In a letter released this week, Altman expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging that the company did not alert authorities despite red flags. 

He offered condolences to the victims and the broader community, saying the loss was devastating and that an apology was necessary, even if it could not reverse the harm.

"I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June," Altman wrote.

"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," he added.