ChatGPT is accused of helping plan a shooting, investigated by U.S. officials in Florida! The attorney general: AI should not be used to destroy humanity

The Florida prosecutors have opened an investigation into OpenAI, suspecting that ChatGPT helped plan a campus shooting, and raising concerns about national security as well as fears of self-harm involving minors. OpenAI denies the allegations, stressing that more than 900 million people use it safely every week, and saying it will cooperate with the investigation to prevent AI-related crimes.

U.S. Florida investigates OpenAI, suspects ChatGPT helped plot a shooting

According to a report by Axios, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the local prosecutorial office has opened an investigation into OpenAI. The reasons for investigating the company include concerns over national security, as well as the possibility that, in last year’s Florida State University shooting, ChatGPT may have played an alleged role in assisting the shooter’s planning of the crime. The scope of the investigation is still unclear, but prosecutors will issue subpoenas.

In a video posted on the social platform X, Uthmeier said, AI should promote human development, not be used to destroy humanity. He stressed that the state government is requiring OpenAI to answer for actions that harm children’s rights, endanger public safety, and contribute to the shooting.

Florida State University shooting leaves two dead and five injured

Uthmeier said that ChatGPT is linked to cases involving self-harm and suicide by minors. He explained that, in the April 17, 2025 Florida State University shooting that left two dead and five injured, the shooter, Phoenix Ikner, may have used the tool to plan the attack.

He also expressed concern about the risk that OpenAI data could be utilized by the Chinese government, and said that when technology companies roll out new technology, they cannot put the public’s safety at risk. He emphasized that no company has the right to harm children, encourage crime, or threaten national security, and that companies that violate the rules will face legal accountability.

OpenAI emphasizes product safety as the industry faces close scrutiny

In response to the allegations, OpenAI issued a statement to rebut the claim that ChatGPT helped plan the shooting, and highlighted its efforts regarding safety measures.

A spokesperson for OpenAI said that more than 900 million people use ChatGPT every week to improve their lives, including learning new skills and navigating medical systems. OpenAI’s ongoing safety work plays a key role in delivering benefits to the public and supporting scientific research.

OpenAI pledged to cooperate with the investigation, emphasizing that its original goal is to understand user intent and respond in a safe manner.

The Florida investigation into OpenAI reflects that the AI industry is facing stringent scrutiny. Robots such as Google’s Gemini and Grok developed by Elon Musk’s xAI have recently been criticized for how they handle warnings about dangerous content.

Among them, Grok and the X platform (formerly Twitter) have drawn particular controversy over a one-click image-editing feature, which has sparked debate about enabling the creation and circulation of images involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

• **Related coverage:**Grok generates over 20,000 images of child sexual exploitation in 11 days! The EU launches an investigation, with a potential fine of up to 6% of annual revenue

OpenAI promotes a safety framework; Florida amends laws to block loopholes

The day before the state of Florida announced it would begin an investigation, OpenAI said it had worked with the AI working group of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Attorneys General Alliance to develop a prevention framework, while the Florida legislature had passed House Bill 245 earlier this year.

The bill updates state law by clearly adopting terminology for child sexual abuse material, thereby addressing unlawful content generated by AI and filling loopholes; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill on April 1.

Further reading:
South Korea’s largest sexual exploitation case—main suspect gets life imprisonment! 261 victims, an N-room scale; TG for the first time helps Korean police with investigations