Florida's attorney general launches criminal investigation into OpenAI

April 21, 2026

An article summarized by Quartz:

Florida AG, James Uthmeier, has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI over its chatbot ChatGPT, following revelations that the suspect in the Florida State University shooting used the tool prior to the attack. Prosecutors allege chat logs show the chatbot provided guidance on firearm selection, ammunition, and weapon lethality, prompting Uthmeier to claim that if ChatGPT were a person, it could face criminal charges.

Authorities have issued subpoenas seeking OpenAI’s internal policies, training materials, and records related to handling harmful user interactions, as well as details about its leadership and staff. The criminal probe runs alongside an existing civil investigation, as officials examine whether the company could bear legal responsibility under Florida law, which allows those who aid or facilitate crimes to be charged as principals.

The 2025 shooting left two people dead and six injured, and the suspect is currently facing multiple charges. The case adds to growing legal scrutiny of AI companies, with lawsuits and criticism focusing on whether chatbots can contribute to real-world harm. OpenAI has previously stated that safety is central to its design and has introduced safeguards, but critics argue those measures can still be bypassed, raising broader concerns about AI accountability.