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Authorities in Florida have opened a criminal investigation into OpenAI following allegations that its chatbot, ChatGPT, may have advised a gunman involved in a deadly shooting at Florida State University last year.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the Office of Statewide Prosecution initiated the probe after reviewing chat logs reportedly linked to the suspect, identified as Phoenix Ikner. Officials are examining whether the AI platform could bear criminal responsibility under laws related to aiding and abetting a crime.
“If ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder,” Uthmeier said, adding that the investigation will determine whether OpenAI bears legal liability in the case.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass also stressed the need for public awareness about risks associated with emerging technologies, including their potential misuse in criminal activity.
Under Florida law, individuals or entities that aid, abet, or counsel the commission of a crime can be treated as principals if the crime is carried out or attempted. Investigators are assessing whether this standard could apply in the case of AI-generated interactions.
As part of the probe, prosecutors have subpoenaed OpenAI for internal documents, including policies on handling threats of harm, cooperation with law enforcement, and training materials related to user safety. They have also sought organizational records and public communications tied to the April 17, 2025 incident.
The investigation comes amid broader efforts by Florida authorities to address AI-related crimes. Recent actions include stringent penalties for offenses involving AI-generated child sexual abuse material, with new legislation signed earlier this year increasing such violations to second-degree felonies.
The case is expected to test how existing criminal laws apply to artificial intelligence systems and their developers.
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