Florida Investigates OpenAI Over FSU Shooting Claims

Florida has opened a criminal investigation into OpenAI after allegations that ChatGPT provided what state officials described as “significant advice” to the suspected perpetrator of a deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in April 2025. The probe was initiated on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, according to an announcement by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

Uthmeier said the investigation has expanded and now includes subpoenas issued to OpenAI, which he described as a step that signals additional legal action is expected. The inquiry is focused on the FSU shooting and the suspected gunman, Phoenix Ikner, who officials allege used ChatGPT to seek detailed information related to firearms and ammunition, potential public reactions, and locations where student concentrations could be high.

In outlining the state’s position, Uthmeier said that if a person had played an equivalent role, that individual would face murder charges. He argued that the involvement of an artificial intelligence tool does not, in his view, eliminate the possibility of criminal responsibility. Florida’s investigation is also examining what the state described as OpenAI’s knowledge and internal design processes, including whether profit considerations outweighed safety concerns.

Officials said the criminal probe is running alongside civil scrutiny and is not limited to the FSU case. The state is also examining concerns tied to child sex abuse material, as well as allegations involving encouragement of suicide and self-harm. Florida’s subpoenas seek records related to OpenAI’s policies, training materials for handling threats, and the company’s cooperation with law enforcement.

OpenAI responded by disputing the characterization that ChatGPT promoted harmful conduct. The company said the tool provided factual, publicly available information and did not encourage wrongdoing. OpenAI also said it proactively shared information with authorities regarding the suspect’s account.

The case adds to the growing legal and regulatory pressure facing major artificial intelligence developers, as governments test how existing criminal and civil frameworks apply to AI systems used in high-stakes contexts. Key uncertainties remain, including what the subpoenas will reveal about OpenAI’s internal safeguards, what Florida will argue about intent and responsibility, and how courts may treat claims that an AI system’s outputs contributed to criminal acts.