Family of FSU shooting victim files lawsuit alleging ChatGPT helped shooter

The family of Florida State University shooting victim Tiru Chabba has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI and its AI platform ChatGPT, claiming the company failed to prevent the October 2024 attack. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, also names shooter Phoenix Ikner as a defendant. According to chat logs released by Florida law enforcement, Ikner allegedly used ChatGPT to gather details about gun operations, media coverage, and the busiest times on campus. The logs, spanning 18 months, include over 16,000 exchanges, with Ikner asking questions such as how to become infamous and seeking information about the Columbine shooting. Attorney Bakari Sellers, representing Chabba’s family, argued that ChatGPT functioned as a ‘co-conspirator’ in the planning of the attack, which left two dead and six injured on April 17, 2025. Sellers emphasized the lack of safeguards to prevent such misuse, stating that lives were lost due to the platform’s unchecked access. OpenAI responded that ChatGPT provided factual answers based on publicly available information and did not encourage illegal activity. The company stated it cooperated with law enforcement after identifying Ikner’s account and has since strengthened safety measures. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a separate criminal investigation in April, questioning whether OpenAI could face charges if ChatGPT were considered a person. Ikner, who pleaded not guilty, is set to stand trial in October 2026 for two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder. The lawsuit and investigation highlight growing concerns over AI’s role in facilitating criminal behavior.