Florida attorney general launches criminal investigation into ChatGPT maker OpenAI after deadly FSU shooting

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has initiated a criminal investigation into OpenAI, examining whether the company holds any criminal liability related to a shooting at Florida State University last year. The inquiry focuses on whether ChatGPT, OpenAI's AI chatbot, provided assistance to the accused shooter, Phoenix Ikner, in planning the attack. During a press conference, Uthmeier stated, "If that bot were a person, they would be charged as a principal in first-degree murder." He emphasized that ChatGPT allegedly offered critical advice to Ikner prior to the tragic events that unfolded on April 17, 2025, when two individuals were killed, and six others were injured on campus. Ikner, who has pleaded not guilty, faces trial proceedings set to commence in October. The investigation highlights multiple user queries submitted to ChatGPT by Ikner before the shooting, where the chatbot reportedly suggested details such as weaponry, optimal timing for the attack, and locations on campus with higher foot traffic. While lawsuits against AI companies are not uncommon, a criminal investigation of this nature is notably rare. Uthmeier’s office has issued a subpoena to OpenAI for insights into their policies and training materials related to user threats, whether toward others or self-harm, as well as their protocols for reporting potential criminal activities. Uthmeier remarked on the importance of uncovering who was aware of any risks and whether there was any negligence in safeguarding against dangerous behaviors. In response to the investigation, an OpenAI spokesperson expressed their condolences over the tragedy but firmly stated that ChatGPT is not culpable. They noted that OpenAI had already shared the user account believed to be associated with Ikner with law enforcement after the incident. The spokesperson also clarified that ChatGPT provided factual information based on publicly available sources and did not promote illegal actions. This is not the first instance where ChatGPT has been accused of assisting in planning violent acts; following a shooting in British Columbia earlier this year, OpenAI announced efforts to enhance their safety measures, which include revising protocols on when to notify authorities about potential threats. They reiterated their commitment to continuously improving safeguards to detect harmful intentions and prevent misuse of their technology.