Reviewed by Michael P. Maddux, Esq. | Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyer for 16 Consecutive Years

In the wake of a tragic 2025 shooting at Florida State University that left two people dead and several others injured, Florida’s Attorney General has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. Authorities allege the suspect used the AI platform to research weapons, ammunition, and timing prior to the attack.

While OpenAI denies responsibility, the investigation raises a critical question: when powerful technology is misused, who can be held accountable?

For individuals and families affected by violence, these questions are not theoretical. They go directly to issues of responsibility, safety, and justice. As AI tools become more integrated into everyday life, courts may increasingly be asked to determine whether companies took reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

At Michael P. Maddux, P.A., we closely monitor developments like this because they shape the future of civil liability and victims’ rights. When preventable harm occurs, whether through negligence, inadequate safeguards, or failure to act, those impacted deserve answers and accountability.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious incident and have questions about your legal rights, call Michael P. Maddux, P.A. at (813) 253-3363 to get started.