ChatGPT to be sued over Florida State U gunman’s alleged use of platform to plan shooting

The family of Robert Morales, a Tallahassee resident who was killed in the shooting alongside South Carolina father Tiru Chabba, is being represented by the law firm of Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney and Hobbs in the case.

Ryan Hobbs and Dean LeBoeuf, from the local law firm, told WCTV in a statement, "We have been advised that the shooter was in constant communication with ChatGPT leading up to the shooting. We also have reason to believe that ChatGPT may have advised the shooter how to commit these heinous crimes. We will therefore file suit against ChatGPT, and its ownership structure, very soon, and will seek to hold them accountable for the untimely and senseless death of our client, Mr. Morales."

Over 270 AI photos and ChatGPT conversations are reportedly listed as exhibits in the case against suspected gunman Phoenix Ikner. While the messages have been referenced in court filings, the content of those messages are not yet known.

A spokesperson for Open AI, the company behind ChatGPT, told the outlet, "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. After learning of the incident in late April 2025, we identified a ChatGPT account believed to be associated with the suspect, proactively shared this information with law enforcement and cooperated with authorities. We build ChatGPT to understand people’s intent and respond in a safe and appropriate way, and we continue improving our technology."

An obituary for Morales described the 57-year-old as a "man of quiet brilliance and many gifts." He was the son of Cuban exiles and was working at FSU as the University Dining Program Manager at the time of his death.

"Robert’s life was ended by what can only be described as an act of violence and hate. He should be with us today. But if Robert were here, he would not want us to dwell in anger. He would want us to focus on the small, steady acts of love that defined him and that keep him with us now," the obituary stated. "Please don’t let Robert’s life be reduced to the tragic way it ended. Remember him, instead, for the way he lived."