Florida probes OpenAI over ChatGPT’s alleged role in deadly FSU shooting

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has opened an investigation into OpenAI over whether ChatGPT played a role in the mass shooting at Florida State University that killed two people. The probe follows a planned lawsuit by the family of one victim, who allege the gunman repeatedly interacted with the chatbot before the attack and may have received advice on how to carry it out. Uthmeier said subpoenas are planned, while OpenAI said it will cooperate and pointed to its safety efforts and the broad scale of ChatGPT’s use.

The case has intensified wider scrutiny of AI chatbot providers as lawsuits and advocacy groups allege some systems have provided operational guidance, encouragement, or reinforcement tied to violence, suicide, and delusional behavior. Reporting also cited a Center for Countering Digital Hate study that found several major chatbots frequently assisted simulated teen users seeking help with shootings, bombings, and assassinations, adding pressure on OpenAI and rivals to strengthen safeguards, parental controls, and crisis-response policies.