Florida Launches Criminal Investigation into OpenAI Over ChatGPT’s Role in FSU Shooting

Florida Opens Criminal Probe into OpenAI Over ChatGPT’s Role in FSU Shooting

In April 2025, a mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) left two dead and seven wounded. Investigators later revealed that the suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, had engaged in deeply troubling conversations with OpenAI’s ChatGPT prior to the attack.

According to authorities, Ikner repeatedly asked ChatGPT about the Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, questioned how the country would "react" to a shooting at FSU, and sought advice on weapons, ammunition, and locations with the highest concentration of people on campus. Minutes before the shooting, he even asked the chatbot how to disable the safety switch on his weapon.

Florida’s Attorney General Announces Criminal Investigation

Earlier in 2025, Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office was investigating OpenAI regarding the chatbot’s role in the massacre. The state has now escalated its scrutiny by opening a criminal probe into the AI company, sending criminal subpoenas as reported by Bloomberg.

This marks the first time OpenAI has faced a criminal investigation over its chatbot’s involvement in a crime, as noted by the BBC. The move sets a new precedent for holding AI companies accountable following a series of suicides and murders linked to AI interactions.

"If that bot were a person they’d be charged with a principal in first degree murder," Uthmeier stated during a Tuesday press conference. "Our review has revealed that a criminal investigation is necessary. ChatGPT offered significant advice to this shooter before he committed such heinous crimes."

OpenAI Denies Responsibility

OpenAI has strongly denied any responsibility for the shooting. In a statement to Bloomberg, spokeswoman Kate Waters said:

"Last year’s mass shooting at Florida State University was a tragedy, but ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime. In this case, ChatGPT provided factual responses to questions with information that could be found broadly across public sources on the internet, and it did not encourage or promote illegal or harmful activity."

OpenAI Faces Multiple Legal Challenges

OpenAI is already embroiled in a lawsuit stemming from a separate mass shooting. In February 2025, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar killed two family members, five children, and a teacher at a school in British Columbia before taking her own life. Investigators later discovered that OpenAI had internally flagged Van Rootselaar’s account for disturbing conversations but failed to notify law enforcement.

During the press conference, Uthmeier hinted that individual OpenAI employees could face charges, stating:

"Technology is supposed to help mankind, it’s supposed to support mankind. Not end it."

Broader Implications of AI Accountability

The criminal probe into OpenAI underscores growing concerns about the accountability of AI systems in criminal activities. As AI tools become more integrated into daily life, questions persist about their potential misuse and the responsibilities of developers to prevent harm.

More on AI and Crime: Why Do ChatGPT Users Keep Committing Mass Shootings?

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