18 hours ago
3
Nearly a week after the
New Year’s Day explosion
outside the Trump International Hotel, Las Vegas police disclosed that the decorated army soldier
Matthew Livelsberger
who carried out the attack had used generative AI, including ChatGPT, in planning criminal acts.
Las Vegas police disclosed that his writings indicated no intent to harm others. However, his use of AI tools to gather information for the attack marks a troubling first.
Las Vegas metropolitan police department Sheriff Kevin McMahill described the use of generative AI in the attack as a "game-changer”.
"This is the first incident that I’m aware of on US soil where ChatGPT was utilised to help an individual build a particular device," McMahill said during a press conference.
An investigation into Livelsberger’s ChatGPT search history revealed that he had sought information on explosive targets, ammunition speed, and the legality of fireworks in Arizona.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, responded to the incident in a statement, asserting its commitment to responsible AI use. “ChatGPT provided only publicly available information and warned against harmful or illegal activities. We are cooperating with law enforcement to support their investigation,” the statement read.
Livelsberger’s writings and actions suggest the explosion was intended as a dramatic “wake-up call” for what he perceived as the nation’s societal and political troubles. A journal titled “Surveillance Log”, recovered by investigators, showed he believed he was under law enforcement surveillance despite having no criminal record or FBI tracking. In his notes, he expressed concerns about being labeled a terrorist and insisted he had no intention of causing harm to others.
During his drive to Las Vegas, Livelsberger stopped to refuel the Cybertruck with racing-grade fuel, which later dripped from the vehicle. The truck, laden with 60 pounds of pyrotechnic material and 70 pounds of birdshot, exploded after a flash believed to be the firearm he used to end his life ignited the fuel vapor.
Seven individuals sustained minor injuries in the blast, but the Trump hotel suffered virtually no damage.
Law enforcement also disclosed the existence of a six-page document in Livelsberger’s possession, which has not been made public as it may contain classified material. Investigators are still reviewing a laptop, smartphone, and smartwatch found at the scene.
Livelsberger had reportedly considered alternative targets, including the Grand Canyon’s glass skywalk, but changed his plans for reasons yet unknown. His letters reflected deep political and societal grievances, touching on issues such as the war in Ukraine and the perceived decline of the United States.
In one note, Livelsberger urged Americans to “rally around” President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, emphasising that he bore no ill will toward Trump. Instead, he described his act as a means to “cleanse” his mind of the burdens of war and the lives he had taken.
