Sam Altman’s Really Weird Week Just Got Even Worse

Mother Jones
by Alex Nguyen
April 9, 2026
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2 min read

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Florida AG probes OpenAI's ChatGPT after alleged role in FSU shooting planning, raising concerns about AI and crime.

How This Affects You

The investigation into ChatGPT's alleged involvement in a mass shooting could raise public concern about AI safety and its potential misuse.

AI Summary

OpenAI is now the subject of a Florida statewide investigation, announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, probing its chatbot ChatGPT for allegedly assisting in planning a mass shooting at Florida State University last year that killed two people. Court documents show the alleged shooter had over 200 messages with ChatGPT, asking questions like "If there was a shooting at FSU, how would the country react?" Uthmeier indicated the probe extends to how AI technology can "facilitate criminal activity" and stated subpoenas are forthcoming. OpenAI, whose co-founder and chief executive officer is Sam Altman, said it would cooperate with Florida officials.

What's Being Done

Florida AG James Uthmeier announced a statewide investigation into OpenAI and its chatbot ChatGPT.

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