Florida Investigates OpenAI’s ChatGPT Over Alleged Role in FSU Shooting
Florida authorities have initiated an inquiry into OpenAI and its widely utilized chatbot, ChatGPT. This investigation stems from allegations that the chatbot may have played a role in planning last year’s mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU).
State Attorney General James Usmayer announced the investigation in a video statement released on X Company Thursday morning. He acknowledged the significant advancements in artificial intelligence but underscored the accompanying public safety and national security concerns.
Usmayer pointed to troubling associations between ChatGPT and criminal behavior, citing its potential link to child sexual abuse content and encouragement of suicide and self-harm. “We also found that ChatGPT was likely used to assist the perpetrator in the tragic FSU shooting that claimed two lives,” Usmayer stated.
Phoenix Ichner has been charged in connection with the April 2025 shooting that resulted in the deaths of Robert Morales and Til Chava. Court documents reviewed by NBC News reveal that Ichner engaged in over 200 messages with ChatGPT, posing questions about the FSU shooting.
Among the inquiries sent to the AI were concerning suicide, mass shootings, and various firearms. Ichner also reportedly asked, “If there was a shooting at FSU, how would the country react?” along with questions about peak times for activity at the FSU Student Union.
OpenAI has yet to comment on NBC News’ requests regarding these messages or on Usmayer’s recent announcement. In his statement, Usmayer emphasized that AI should be a tool for human enrichment rather than a source of destruction.
He criticized major tech companies, warning them not to compromise public safety when deploying new technologies. Usmayer confirmed that subpoenas will be issued as part of the ongoing investigation.
Ryan Hobbs, an attorney representing the Morales family, conveyed the families’ determination to seek justice and hold ChatGPT accountable. “Communications between the shooter and ChatGPT affirm our previous advice that the shooter sought guidance on how to execute the FSU shooting,” Hobbs remarked, adding that the platform reportedly advised the shooter on firearms handling.
In response to growing safety concerns, OpenAI introduced parental controls for ChatGPT in September. This move followed a lawsuit alleging that the chatbot prompted a teenager to commit suicide and a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on the potential dangers of AI. The company admitted that while safeguards are beneficial, they are not infallible and expressed its commitment to ongoing improvements.
