Florida Launches First Criminal Probe Against AI Model ChatGPT in School Shooting Case

Florida Takes Historic Step: Criminal Investigation Launched Against ChatGPT

Florida has made history by becoming the first state to criminally investigate an AI model. Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican, announced a criminal probe into ChatGPT and its parent company, OpenAI, following a mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in April 2025.

Shooting Details and Aftermath

The shooting resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, including at least one student. All injured individuals have since been discharged from the hospital. The suspect, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, is currently in custody.

AI’s Alleged Role in the Crime

Prosecutors reviewed Ikner’s devices and found extensive interactions with ChatGPT. While there is no evidence suggesting Ikner was driven into "AI psychosis," investigators allege he repeatedly discussed the shooting with the chatbot. Uthmeier stated that ChatGPT "offered significant advice to the shooter before he committed such heinous crimes."

Key exchanges include:

• Gun-related inquiry: Ikner asked ChatGPT about the power of a gun at close range and the type of ammunition required.
• Pre-shooting planning: On the day of the crime, Ikner allegedly asked the chatbot how America would react to a shooting at FSU and the busiest time at the student union, where the attack occurred.

"If this were a person on the other end of the screen, we would be charging them with murder."

State and Federal Responses to AI Regulation

Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has been a leading advocate for state-level AI regulation. He has called for the state legislature to establish legal guardrails for AI in a special session next week.

However, the federal government under President Donald Trump has taken a contrasting approach, pushing for deregulation and federal preemption of state laws. The clash between state and federal stances highlights a growing divide within the Republican Party on AI policy.

Potential Impact on AI Regulation

Florida’s criminal investigation into ChatGPT could set a precedent for how AI models are regulated and held accountable in the future. The outcome of this probe may influence both state and federal policies on AI governance.