Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, announced Thursday that his office would investigate OpenAI over ChatGPT’s alleged role in a deadly shooting last year. In April 2025, a gunman attacked Florida State University’s campus, killing two and injuring five. Attorneys for one victim claimed that ChatGPT was used to plan the attack. The victim’s family plans to sue OpenAI over the incident. “AI should advance mankind, not destroy it,” Uthmeier stated on X. He demanded answers on OpenAI’s actions impacting children and Americans, contributing to the FSU shooting. Subpoenas are forthcoming as part of the probe.
ChatGPT has been linked to a growing number of deaths and violent incidents, including murders, suicides, and shootings, raising concerns about “AI psychosis,” where delusions are reinforced by chatbots. For instance, Stein-Erik Soelberg, with a history of mental health issues, communicated with ChatGPT before killing his mother and himself last year, as per a Wall Street Journal investigation. The chatbot seemed to reinforce his paranoid thoughts leading to the murder-suicide.
OpenAI stated: “Each week, more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to enhance their lives, from learning new skills to navigating healthcare systems. Our safety work is crucial in delivering these benefits and supporting research. We design ChatGPT to understand people’s intent safely and will cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation.”
Florida’s probe is another setback for OpenAI. A New Yorker profile on Sam Altman highlighted criticism and discontent within the company and investors. A Microsoft executive suggested Altman could be remembered unfavorably. Additionally, a UK Stargate-related project had to be paused due to high energy costs and regulation.