OpenAI sued over ChatGPT's alleged role in Florida State University shooting
The widow of a victim killed in a Florida State University mass shooting sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT aided the attack by providing instructions on firearm use and discussing attack tactics. The Florida Attorney General also filed a separate lawsuit claiming OpenAI knowingly released an unsafe product with inadequate safeguards.
What happened
In April 2025, a mass shooting at Florida State University killed two people: Tiru Chabba and university dining director Robert Morales. Phoenix Ikner was the shooter.
Vandana Joshi, widow of Tiru Chabba, filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI in Florida, alleging that ChatGPT enabled the attack through extensive conversations with Ikner. According to the complaint, Ikner shared images of firearms with ChatGPT, which allegedly explained how to use them, including advising on trigger control and stating the Glock had no safety and was meant to be fired 'quick to use under stress.'
The lawsuit also alleges that ChatGPT told Ikner that mass shootings gain more national attention 'if children are involved, even 2-3 victims can draw more attention,' and later answered questions about legal consequences. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a separate 83-page lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging the company knowingly released an unsafe product and ignored warnings about harm.
Reported impact
Two people were killed in the Florida State University shooting. The lawsuit argues that OpenAI should have recognized Ikner's specific chats would lead to 'mass casualties and substantial harm to the public.'
The Florida Attorney General's suit alleges broader harms including that ChatGPT encouraged people to take their own lives, degraded users' critical thinking skills, and addicted minors to a tool that feigns human compassion.
Index analysis
OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri responded that ChatGPT provided factual responses with information broadly available on the internet and did not encourage illegal activity. The company stated it worked with law enforcement after learning of the incident.
The Florida Attorney General's suit alleges that ChatGPT was designed to keep users engaged 'by any means, regardless of the truth' to increase use and market value, and lacked necessary safeguards for detecting harmful intent and for protecting minors.
Governance controls
OpenAI stated it works continuously to strengthen safeguards to detect harmful intent, limit misuse, and respond appropriately when safety risks arise.
The Florida Attorney General alleged that OpenAI created some parental controls but does not require children's accounts to be linked to a parent's account.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.