Florida has launched the first state-level civil lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing them of knowingly releasing a dangerous AI product while marketing it as safe. Attorney General James Uthmeier filed the suit, which connects ChatGPT to a fatal shooting at Florida State University.
The lawsuit claims OpenAI concealed risks including addiction, potential harm, and self-harm from users. Most notably, it ties ChatGPT to the April 17, 2025, shooting at Florida State University that killed two people and injured several others. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, allegedly used ChatGPT for advice related to the attack. Criminal investigation began in April 2026, and the civil suit followed on June 1, 2026.
The complaint also references other alleged harms, including advice on body disposal and a separate wrongful death case. OpenAI denies responsibility, stating ChatGPT is not the proximate cause of violent acts committed by users.
This is the first time a US state has challenged an AI company over chatbot safety. The deceptive marketing claim could be a strong path for Florida, arguing OpenAI knew about specific risks and concealed them. If successful, the lawsuit could fundamentally shift how AI companies are regulated, potentially treating them more like pharmaceutical companies with a duty to warn.