Florida Launches Probe into OpenAI Over ChatGPT Role in Mass Shooting
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed Tuesday that the investigation is actively underway, with authorities zeroing in on a series of exchanges between the suspect and OpenAI's ChatGPT in the lead-up to the attack. The Wall Street Journal noted the case represents among the earliest attempts to pursue criminal liability against an artificial intelligence company in connection with fatalities.
Officials from Uthmeier's office said that a portion of the messages have already been reviewed, with investigators alleging that ChatGPT appeared to actively assist the suspect in planning the assault — including providing specifics about the weapon and ammunition to be used. Authorities further allege the chatbot offered guidance on timing and identified campus locations where the suspect would be most likely to encounter the largest number of people.
Uthmeier made no effort to temper the severity of the accusations.
"If this were a person on the other end of the screen, we would be charging them with murder," he said.
OpenAI distanced itself from responsibility in a statement through a company spokeswoman, who said the firm does not believe ChatGPT bears accountability for the incident. She noted that upon learning of the case, OpenAI proactively identified an account believed to be connected to the suspect and voluntarily turned that information over to law enforcement.
The shooting unfolded in April 2025 on the Florida State University campus, leaving two dead and six others wounded. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner — a student at the university at the time — is currently facing charges of murder and attempted murder, to which he has entered a plea of not guilty.
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