Florida Prosecutors Launch Criminal Investigation into OpenAI

On April 21, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI in connection with the Florida State University (FSU) shooting. Prosecutors believe that 2 people died and 6 were injured in the April 2025 incident, and that the chat logs between the suspect and ChatGPT are linked to preparations for the crime.

A subpoena was issued to OpenAI requiring submission of the following materials:

• Policies and internal training materials on responding to threats of self-harm or harm to others
• Policies and internal training materials on cooperation with law enforcement agencies
• List of executives, directors, department heads, senior managers, and employees
• Public statements and media materials related to the FSU case

On April 27, the scope of the investigation expanded to include the University of South Florida (USF) double murder case. Prosecutors allege that the suspect asked ChatGPT about disposing of a body, storing an unregistered firearm, and the possibility of gunshot exposure.

Under Florida law, aiding and abetting can be established through words alone, but there must be intent to help and participate in the crime. Mere awareness or general advice is not sufficient, and corporations can also be subject to criminal liability.

Therefore, while it would be difficult to charge an individual employee with murder, charges without intent to kill, such as manslaughter or culpable negligence, are theoretically possible. OpenAI has stated that it did not encourage or promote the crime, and if found guilty, it could face fines of up to $10,000 per count instead of imprisonment along with victim restitution, and separate civil lawsuits could also follow.