Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman on Monday, marking the first state-level action targeting the AI company over safety concerns. The complaint centers on how ChatGPT allegedly assisted a mass shooter in 2025, with prosecutors claiming they could have pursued conspiracy charges had the perpetrator conspired with a human instead of an AI system.

Uthmeier's office issued subpoenas demanding internal records about threat policies and law enforcement cooperation, building on a separate criminal investigation into ChatGPT's role in the Florida State University shooting that left two dead. The attorney general argues that AI companies prioritize competitive advancement over protecting minors, calling for mandatory parental controls and redesigned systems that prevent dangerous interactions.

The lawsuit arrives amid broader product liability cases against Big Tech platforms, including a $375 million penalty against Meta in New Mexico and a $3 million judgment against Meta and YouTube in Los Angeles. These cases allege social media platforms contribute to youth mental health crises like addiction and body dysmorphia.

Governor Ron DeSantis initially championed AI protections in Florida, though state House leaders opposed state-level regulation in favor of federal oversight. Uthmeier has positioned himself as a leading AI critic, demanding that companies redesign products to stop targeting children with addictive features that encourage harmful behavior.