Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress as Florida probes OpenAI over campus shooting

Two major Florida-related stories broke on Monday, drawing national attention for very different reasons. In Washington, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick stepped down from Congress amid serious allegations that she diverted millions in FEMA disaster relief funds for personal use. Her resignation came just hours before the House Ethics Committee was expected to release a recommendation on whether to expel her, a rare move that underscores the severity of the accusations.

Cherfilus-McCormick, who represented Florida's 20th congressional district, has not admitted wrongdoing. But the timing of her departure suggests an effort to avoid further disciplinary action. Investigators are said to have uncovered evidence of inflated contracts and shell companies tied to hurricane recovery projects in her district. The case adds to a string of recent ethics scandals in Congress, raising questions about oversight of federal emergency spending.

Meanwhile, in Tallahassee, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. The probe follows a shooting at Florida State University earlier this month, where authorities say the suspect used the AI chatbot to research weapons and tactics. Uthmeier's office served OpenAI with subpoenas seeking records on user interactions, safety protocols, and content moderation practices related to the suspect's account.

OpenAI responded by saying it condemns violence and that its systems are designed to block harmful requests. The company emphasized that individuals, not algorithms, are responsible for their actions. Still, the investigation marks one of the first times a state has pursued criminal scrutiny of an AI firm over a violent incident, setting a potential precedent for how tech companies are held accountable.

The case has reignited debate over the limits of AI regulation. Critics argue that while companies should be responsible for foreseeable misuse, criminal liability could stifle innovation. Supporters of the probe say public safety demands clearer guardrails, especially as AI tools become more powerful and accessible to high-risk individuals.

Neither story is fully resolved. Cherfilus-McCormick's resignation doesn't end the federal investigation into her conduct, and prosecutors may still bring charges. On the tech side, legal experts say proving criminal intent or negligence on OpenAI's part will be a high bar-but the mere existence of the probe signals a shift in how governments view AI's societal role.

Together, the developments reflect broader tensions in 2026: trust in public officials is under strain, and fast-moving technology is forcing lawmakers and law enforcement to rethink old rules. Both cases will likely influence policy debates for months to come.