Florida AG Investigates OpenAI Over ChatGPT Risks Including FSU Shooting
Florida's Attorney General opened a formal investigation into OpenAI on April 9, 2026, alleging that ChatGPT may have facilitated self-harm and suicide among minors and reportedly was used in connection with the April 2025 Florida State University mass shooting. The investigation also raises national security concerns about potential access to OpenAI's data by foreign adversaries, with subpoenas expected to follow.
What happened
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched an investigation into OpenAI on April 9, 2026, citing concerns about potential harms posed by ChatGPT to minors and public safety.
Uthmeier alleged that ChatGPT had been linked to cases involving self-harm and suicide among minors, and reportedly may have been used by Phoenix Ikner, the alleged gunman in the April 17, 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University that left two dead and five injured.
The Attorney General also raised concerns that OpenAI's data could be exploited by the Chinese government in ways that could harm U.S. national security. Subpoenas are expected to be issued.
Reported impact
ChatGPT has over 900 million weekly active users, according to the investigation announcement.
The alleged harms included encouragement of suicide and self-harm among minors, as well as potential links to criminal behavior including the FSU mass shooting.
Index analysis
The investigation was announced one day after OpenAI released a new framework aimed at preventing AI abuse, and ahead of a potential OpenAI IPO valued at up to $1 trillion.
In September 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings had already sent a letter to OpenAI expressing deep concern over reports of how OpenAI's products interact with children.
Governance controls
OpenAI stated that it builds ChatGPT to understand people's intent and respond in a safe and appropriate way, and said it continues improving its technology. The company said it will cooperate with the Attorney General's investigation.
OpenAI emphasized its safety efforts and noted that more than 900 million people weekly use ChatGPT for beneficial purposes including learning and navigating healthcare systems.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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