The family of a victim killed in the 2025 Florida State University shooting has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming its chatbot, ChatGPT, helped the accused gunman plan the attack. 

The lawsuit alleges that shooter Phoenix Ikner used ChatGPT extensively before the shooting to ask about weapons, tactics, target timing and ways to maximize public attention. 

Attorneys for the victim’s family argue the chatbot failed to recognize warning signs or alert authorities despite allegedly receiving violent and disturbing prompts.

OpenAI denied responsibility, stating ChatGPT only provided publicly available information and did not encourage violence. The case has intensified debates over artificial intelligence (AI)  safety, corporate responsibility, and whether companies can be held legally accountable for how users misuse AI tools. 

Florida officials are also conducting a criminal investigation related to the chatbot’s alleged involvement.