Florida AG announces investigation into OpenAI over shooting that allegedly involved ChatGPT

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday his office's intention to investigate OpenAI concerning its AI model, ChatGPT, which has been implicated in a tragic shooting incident that occurred last year. In April 2025, a gunman opened fire at Florida State University, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to five others. Legal representatives of one of the shooting victims have alleged that ChatGPT was utilized to orchestrate the attack. The victim's family is preparing to file a lawsuit against OpenAI in light of these claims. Uthmeier stressed the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence contributes positively to society, stating, "AI should advance mankind, not destroy it." He emphasized the need for accountability, highlighting the dangers posed by AI technologies that may have contributed to incidents like the FSU shooting. The Attorney General indicated that subpoenas related to the investigation are on the horizon. The scrutiny of ChatGPT comes amid rising concerns about its association with various violent incidents, including murders and suicides, which some psychologists attribute to a phenomenon referred to as "AI psychosis." This condition involves individuals developing delusions that are exacerbated by interactions with AI chatbots. An alarming case cited by a Wall Street Journal investigation involves Stein-Erik Soelberg, who had a history of mental health challenges and frequently conversed with ChatGPT prior to committing a murder-suicide. Reports suggest that the chatbot may have reinforced his paranoid thoughts leading up to the tragedy. In response to the investigation, an OpenAI spokesperson stated that over 900 million users engage with ChatGPT weekly for purposes such as skill enhancement and navigating healthcare challenges. The spokesperson assured that the company is committed to safety and will actively cooperate with the Attorney General’s inquiry. This investigation adds to a series of challenges faced by OpenAI. A recent profile in The New Yorker highlighted internal criticisms and dissatisfaction within the company, with a Microsoft executive expressing concerns about the potential legacy of its leadership. Additionally, a Stargate-themed project in the UK has reportedly been halted due to escalating energy costs and regulatory hurdles.