30 new legal complaints have been filed against OpenAI in U.S. federal court in California by lawyers representing victims and survivors of the Tumbler Ridge school shooting. The lawsuits, brought by Edelson PC, a U.S. firm specializing in class actions, include plaintiffs such as educators, a principal, and students who were affected by the tragic incident on February 10 in northern B.C. The complaints detail the harrowing experiences of the survivors and point to alleged negligence on the part of OpenAI in preventing the shooting.
The legal actions, totaling 30 new claims, have been lodged in California, where OpenAI is headquartered. They highlight instances where OpenAI’s safety team reportedly flagged concerning behavior by the shooter on ChatGPT months before the incident, but their warnings were allegedly dismissed by the company’s head of global affairs. The lawsuits accuse OpenAI of prioritizing its own interests over the safety of the Tumbler Ridge community, particularly in light of the company’s impending public offering.
Despite requests for comment, OpenAI has not responded to the new lawsuits. The company had previously acknowledged banning the shooter’s account in 2025 but stated that the reported activity did not meet the threshold for police involvement at that time. Following the tragedy, CEO Sam Altman issued an apology to the Tumbler Ridge community and outlined updated protocols.
In addition to the legal actions by the victims’ representatives, the B.C. government has initiated its own legal proceedings against OpenAI. The demolition of the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has been completed, marking a significant step in the community’s healing process. The initial lawsuits against OpenAI were brought by the family of Maya Gebala, a student who survived the shooting and is now undergoing rehabilitation.
Cia Edmonds, a parent of one of the survivors, shared a heartwarming video of her daughter’s progress post-tragedy, emphasizing the strength and resilience exhibited by the young survivor. The community continues to seek accountability from OpenAI through legal channels, as they navigate the aftermath of the devastating event.