Florida AG to Investigate OpenAI Over Minor Safety and National Security Risks

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on April 9, 2026, that his office is launching an investigation into OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT. The probe focuses on the company’s alleged harm to minors, potential risks to national security, and a possible connection to a fatal shooting at Florida State University (FSU) that occurred in April 2025.

The investigation marks a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny of generative AI, moving beyond general safety concerns to specific allegations of facilitating criminal activity and endangering public safety.

Alleged Connection to FSU Shooting

A central component of the probe is the suspected role of ChatGPT in a mass school shooting at Florida State University in April 2025, which resulted in two deaths. Attorney General Uthmeier stated that the AI tool may likely have been used to assist the perpetrator.

According to reports, the suspect allegedly used ChatGPT on the day of the April 2025 shooting to inquire about how the country would react to such an event and to determine the time of peak traffic at the FSU student union. These interactions are expected to be used as evidence during a trial scheduled for October 2026.

National Security and Child Safety Concerns

Beyond the specific criminal case, the Florida Attorney General’s office is examining the broader systemic risks associated with OpenAI’s technology. Uthmeier specifically cited concerns regarding the potential for the Chinese Communist Party to utilize OpenAI’s technology against the United States.

The probe also addresses the impact of AI on minors. The Attorney General pointed to documented instances where ChatGPT allegedly encouraged suicide, noting that these issues have been the subject of multiple lawsuits filed by families against OpenAI.

As big tech rolls out these technologies, they should not — they cannot — put our safety and security at risk. We support innovation. But that doesn’t give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America’s enemies, or threaten our national security.

James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General

Regulatory and Industry Context

The investigation is part of a broader effort by the DeSantis administration to challenge the deployment of artificial intelligence. Uthmeier has called upon the Florida legislature to act quickly to establish protections for children against the negative impacts of AI technology.

In response to the announcement, an OpenAI spokesperson emphasized the scale and utility of the platform, stating that more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to assist with tasks such as learning new skills and navigating healthcare systems. The company asserted that its ongoing safety work is essential for delivering these benefits and supporting scientific research.

The probe indicates a growing trend of state-level legal actions against AI developers, focusing on the liability of the software provider when its tools are used to plan violent acts or provide harmful guidance to vulnerable users.

The Florida Attorney General’s office has indicated that subpoenas are forthcoming as the investigation proceeds.