The Florida Attorney General has launched an investigation into the possibility that OpenAI is linked to the Florida State University shooting.
On April 9, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Usmayer announced that an investigation into OpenAI would be launched into the case of ChatGPT's alleged involvement in the 2025 Florida State University shooting. The investigation is based on broad concerns, including risks to public safety and national security, and adverse effects on minors.
Florida AG to probe OpenAI, alleging possible connection to FSU shooting | TechCrunch
Florida launches investigation into OpenAI | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/policy/909557/openai-florida-investigation
In the April 2025 incident at Florida State University where two people died and five were injured, the suspect is suspected of using ChatGPT before the attack to ask questions about the country's reaction to the incident and the busiest times at the student union building.
In response, the victims' families have indicated their intention to sue OpenAI, and Attorney General Usmayer also views the possibility that the technology may have facilitated the crime as a serious matter and plans to issue a subpoena soon.
Attorney General Usmayer argued that AI should exist to advance humanity, not destroy it, and expressed strong concerns that OpenAI's technology could threaten U.S. national security by being used to facilitate crimes related to child sexual abuse and self-harm, as well as by hostile forces such as the Chinese Communist Party.
In response, an OpenAI spokesperson emphasized that 'more than 900 million users use ChatGPT every week in fields such as education and healthcare,' explained their ongoing efforts to improve security, and indicated their willingness to fully cooperate with the Florida investigation.
While OpenAI plans an initial public offering (IPO) in 2025, it is facing a series of scandals and intense scrutiny from regulatory authorities. Although it has published a ' Blueprint for the Safety of Minors ' (PDF file) which includes policy recommendations to protect children's safety and proposes strengthening legal frameworks and preventative measures, social pressure on OpenAI is intensifying, with reports of an increase in AI-generated child abuse content.
In addition, challenges such as the suspension of projects in the UK and criticism of CEO Sam Altman from both inside and outside the company have emerged, making the Florida investigation a further setback for OpenAI.
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