A 24-year-old man from Norway faces investigation after a shooting at a Florida university on Tuesday left three people dead and five injured. Phoenix Ikner is accused of opening fire at a campus building in Tallahassee, Florida. Authorities say he used a semiautomatic rifle during the attack. The incident has drawn attention because Ikner had previously discussed his plans with ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI.
Police received multiple emergency calls just after 10 a.m. on April 2, 2025. Officers arrived within minutes and found Ikner still inside the building. He was taken into custody without further resistance. Investigators found detailed notes in his possession that referenced conversations with ChatGPT about the attack. Authorities have not disclosed the full contents of those exchanges.
The victims were students and staff at Florida State University. Two died at the scene, and a third later in hospital. Five others were treated for gunshot wounds. The university canceled classes and evacuated nearby buildings. Police confirmed the suspect had no prior criminal record in the United States.
Ikner arrived in Florida in January 2025 on a student visa. He studied computer science at a local college but had withdrawn from classes weeks before the shooting. Neighbors described him as quiet and reserved. One told reporters he often spent long hours on his computer.
Federal and local agencies are reviewing all digital communications linked to Ikner. The case raises new questions about the role of artificial intelligence in monitoring potential threats. OpenAI has stated it will cooperate fully with law enforcement.
Source: digi.no