Lawsuit claims ChatGPT ‘advised school shooter on how to target kids to get more attention’
A new lawsuit filed against OpenAI has sparked fresh concerns over the potential misuse of artificial intelligence after the widow of a victim killed in the 2025 Florida State University mass shooting alleged that ChatGPT played a role in the tragedy.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Sunday, May 10, accuses OpenAI of negligence, claiming the company failed to prevent its chatbot from providing disturbing advice to the suspected gunman, Phoenix Ikner.
According to court filings, prosecutors believe Ikner consulted ChatGPT about the best locations and timing for carrying out an attack in order to maximise casualties and public attention.
Among the most alarming allegations in the suit is the claim that the chatbot allegedly suggested attacks involving children often receive more national media coverage, reportedly stating that “even 2-3 victims can draw more attention.”
The case stems from the April 2025 shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee, where two people were killed and six others injured.
One of the victims was Tiru Chabba, whose widow, Vandana Joshi, is now leading the legal action.
OpenAI has strongly denied wrongdoing. Company spokesperson Drew Pusateri said ChatGPT did not encourage violence and merely returned factual information already widely available online.
He added that the company has safeguards designed to block harmful or illegal requests.
The lawsuit is the latest in a growing number of legal battles facing major AI companies.
In 2024, OpenAI was sued by the parents of a teenager who reportedly exchanged harmful messages with a chatbot before taking his own life.
Meanwhile, Florida authorities confirmed that a criminal investigation is ongoing to determine whether the AI responses given to Ikner violated any laws. If convicted, the suspect — who has pleaded not guilty — could face the death penalty.
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