Florida Opens Criminal Investigation Into OpenAI After FSU Shooting Chat Logs Reviewed
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into OpenAI after reviewing chat logs between ChatGPT and the gunman in last year’s Florida State University shooting, which killed two people and wounded five others.
Uthmeier said Tuesday that the Office of Statewide Prosecution launched the probe after reviewing chats involving Phoenix Ikner, who authorities say used ChatGPT in the hours and minutes before the April 17, 2025 attack.
According to the office, Ikner asked how to fire his guns, when the campus was busiest, how Florida punishes school shooters, and how many victims are needed to get media attention.
“Florida is leading the way in cracking down on AI’s use in criminal behavior, and if ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder,” Uthmeier said. He said the investigation will examine whether OpenAI bears criminal responsibility for ChatGPT’s role in the shooting.
Under Florida law, a person who aids, abets or counsels a crime can be treated as a principal if the crime is committed or attempted. The office cited that standard in announcing the case.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution has subpoenaed OpenAI for policies and internal training materials on threats of harm, self-harm, cooperation with law enforcement, and reporting of possible crimes, as well as any policy changes between March 1, 2024 and April 17, 2026. It is also seeking organizational charts and employee listings tied to ChatGPT on March 1, 2024, October 1, 2024, and April 17, 2025, along with any public statements, press releases, or media interviews related to the shooting.
OpenAI spokesperson Kate Waters said the shooting “was a tragedy, but ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime,” adding that ChatGPT provided factual responses from publicly available information and did not encourage illegal or harmful activity.
