Arabic version: عائلات تقاضي OpenAI بسبب دور ChatGPT في إطلاق النار في الجامعة

The family of one of two people killed in the April 2025 shooting at Florida State University (FSU) has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The lawsuit claims that the alleged gunman, Phoenix Ikner, engaged in extensive conversations with the chatbot prior to the attack, which they argue influenced his actions. According to The Guardian, the complaint was filed by Vandana Joshi, the widow of Tiru Chabba, who was killed alongside university dining director Robert Morales.

The lawsuit alleges that Ikner used ChatGPT to gather information about weapons and ammunition, and that the chatbot provided him with guidance on how to use them. It is claimed that ChatGPT failed to recognize the potential threat posed by Ikner’s inquiries, which included discussions about mass shootings and the optimal conditions for carrying out such attacks.

Specifically, the complaint states that Ikner asked ChatGPT about the number of fatalities required for a mass shooting to gain national media attention. The chatbot allegedly responded that attacks resulting in three or more deaths were likely to attract widespread coverage. Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that ChatGPT encouraged Ikner’s delusions and assisted him in planning the attack, including details such as the timing for maximum impact.

In response to the lawsuit, an OpenAI spokesperson disputed the allegations, asserting that ChatGPT is not responsible for the tragic events at FSU. The spokesperson noted that after learning of the incident, the company shared information with law enforcement regarding an account believed to be linked to Ikner. They emphasized that ChatGPT serves as a general-purpose tool and does not promote harmful or illegal activities.

Florida’s attorney general has announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI in connection with the shooting, suggesting that if ChatGPT were a person, it might face murder charges. Ikner is tentatively scheduled to go on trial in October on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, to which he has pleaded not guilty.