A decorated soldier recently detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, and investigators revealed that he utilized generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, in planning the event. According to local police reports, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, who ultimately took his own life, had no intention of harming anyone else.
Following a comprehensive investigation, it was found that Livelsberger had used ChatGPT to search for details about explosive targets, the speed of various ammunition types, and the legality of fireworks in Arizona. Kevin McMahill, the sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, described the integration of generative AI in this act as a significant development and stated that the police department is now collaborating with other law enforcement agencies on this matter. He noted that this incident marks a concerning first, as it is the first known case in the United States where AI was employed in devising a destructive device.
In an official response, OpenAI emphasized its commitment to responsible usage of its tools, clarifying that ChatGPT is designed to reject harmful instructions and provided only publicly available information along with warnings against illegal activities. The company is currently assisting law enforcement with their investigation.
ChatGPT, launched in 2022 by OpenAI, is a more user-friendly tool than previous language model iterations, accessible to anyone with an internet connection. During a press conference lasting approximately half an hour, law enforcement officials provided additional context about the New Year’s Day explosion.
Authorities revealed that Livelsberger had poured racing-grade fuel into the Cybertruck, which dripped onto the ground. He had packed the vehicle with 60 pounds (27 kilograms) of pyrotechnic materials as well as 70 pounds (32 kilograms) of birdshot, but the exact trigger for the explosion remains uncertain. They suggested that the flash from the gun Livelsberger used to shoot himself may have ignited the blast.
Further investigations led to the discovery of a six-page document that has yet to be released due to potential classified content now being reviewed with Defense Department officials. Authorities are also examining data from Livelsberger’s laptop, mobile phone, and smartwatch.
One intriguing piece of evidence released was a journal Livelsberger maintained, which indicated that he believed he was under surveillance by law enforcement, despite having no criminal record and not being known to the FBI or police. In the journal, he detailed considerations of executing his plans at a popular tourist site in Arizona, specifically the Grand Canyon’s glass skywalk. Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren noted that it was unclear why he changed his mind.
Video footage from the hotel shows a significant flash occurring in the vehicle, thought to be from Livelsberger’s firearm, followed by flames engulfing the Cybertruck. The explosion resulted from substantial fuel vapor buildup.
Livelsberger, who served in the Army as a Green Beret and had two deployments to Afghanistan, left behind notes in which he described the explosion as a “wake up call” about the state of the nation. He expressed a desire to “cleanse” his mind of the burdens he carried concerning fallen comrades and lives lost.
The explosion led to minor injuries for seven individuals but caused minimal damage to the Trump International Hotel, with investigators confirming that Livelsberger acted independently.
In his writings, Livelsberger addressed various political and societal concerns, including international conflicts like the war in Ukraine, lamenting that he felt the United States was “terminally ill.” Investigators are currently evaluating whether his actions aimed to convey a political message, especially given the associations with the Tesla brand and the hotel related to the president-elect.
However, law enforcement officials clarified that Livelsberger did not harbor negative sentiments towards President-elect Donald Trump, as he expressed that the country needed to unite around both Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
