Edelson PC, the law firm representing victims of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, has filed 30 additional lawsuits against OpenAI, bringing the total to 37. The new plaintiffs include teachers, a principal, and students who were present in the school during the attack but were not physically harmed. For the first time, the lawsuits accuse OpenAI of aiding and abetting the mass shooting, a claim that may face early dismissal challenges.

The fresh complaints stem from OpenAI's handling of Jesse Van Rootselaar, a teenager who used ChatGPT to plan and execute the school shooting. OpenAI staff had been alarmed by Van Rootselaar's use of the platform, including conversations around gun violence and advice for planning an attack. Despite this, OpenAI did not contact Canadian law enforcement, deactivating Van Rootselaar's account instead. The company has justified its actions by citing a lack of an 'imminent and credible risk' of harm.

The new set of complaints specifically name OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, as the person who instructed staff to stand down and not contact the authorities. The plaintiffs allege that Lehane's background in PR and damage control has contributed to a culture at OpenAI that prioritizes public relations over safety. The complaints suggest that Lehane may have overridden the recommendations of the Intelligence and Investigations Team, which is responsible for identifying users who pose a threat of real-world violence.

The fresh complaints also seek to rebut OpenAI's previous defense that it did not alert Canadian authorities due to ‘imminence’ and ‘privacy’ justifications. They point to an incident in November 2025, where OpenAI locked down its San Francisco offices following an alleged threat from an activist. The company acknowledged there was no indication of an active threat but still notified the police, suggesting a different standard of action depending on the perceived risk.

‘On information and belief,’ the plaintiffs argue, OpenAI’s actions during the Tumbler Ridge shooting were driven by a concern for public relations rather than safety. The complaints will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for the future of AI safety measures and the role of corporate PR in crisis management.