Las Vegas police stated on Tuesday that a highly decorated soldier exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, utilizing generative AI such as ChatGPT to assist in planning the attack. Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old soldier who fatally shot himself nearly a week ago, did not intend to harm anyone else, according to officials. Investigations revealed Livelsberger had searched for information on explosive targets, ammunition velocity, and the legality of fireworks in Arizona using ChatGPT.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department called the use of generative AI a significant development and mentioned that the department is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to share information. This incident marks the first known use of ChatGPT in the U.S. for constructing a device, raising concerns among officials.
ChatGPT, launched in 2022 by San Francisco-based startup OpenAI, is part of a range of technologies accessible for free to users with an internet connection. During a news conference, law enforcement disclosed new details about the New Year’s Day explosion, including Livelsberger’s actions leading up to the incident, such as pouring fuel into the Cybertruck and loading it with pyrotechnic material and birdshot. The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear.
Authorities also mentioned the discovery of an unreleased six-page document, along with a journal titled “surveillance” or “surveil” log, where Livelsberger expressed concerns about being surveilled and feared being labeled a terrorist. Despite his military background, he had no criminal record and was not under law enforcement radar.
The incident unfolded as Livelsberger stopped outside the hotel, with video footage capturing a flash from the firearm he used to take his own life. Subsequently, the vehicle erupted in flames due to fuel vapor, leading to an explosion. Livelsberger, an Army Green Beret with deployments to Afghanistan, left notes indicating the explosion was meant as a “wake-up call” regarding the country’s issues.
Last week, a man identified as Paul David Livelsberger left cellphone notes indicating his need to “cleanse” his mind of the loss of his brothers and to rid himself of the burden of the lives he had taken. The notes were found following an explosion that caused minor injuries to seven individuals but resulted in virtually no damage to the Trump International Hotel. Authorities confirmed that Livelsberger had acted alone in this incident.
Livelsberger’s letters delved into various topics, touching on political grievances, societal issues, and both domestic and international affairs, including the war in Ukraine. In his writings, he expressed the belief that the United States was “terminally ill and headed toward collapse.”
Investigators were working to ascertain whether Livelsberger intended to make a political statement through his actions, particularly given the presence of a Tesla vehicle and a hotel bearing the name of the then-president-elect at the scene. Despite his actions, law enforcement officials clarified that Livelsberger did not harbor any animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump. In fact, one of the notes he left behind emphasized the importance of the country rallying around both President-elect Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The incident sparked concern and raised questions about Livelsberger’s motivations and state of mind at the time of the explosion. Authorities continued their efforts to piece together the events leading up to the incident and to understand the factors that may have influenced Livelsberger’s actions.
As the investigation progressed, more details emerged about Livelsberger’s background and potential motivations. His writings and actions indicated a deep sense of disillusionment with the state of the country and a desire for change. However, the extreme nature of his actions and the potential impact on innocent individuals raised alarms about the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The aftermath of the explosion prompted discussions about security measures and the need for increased awareness of potential threats posed by individuals with radical ideologies or personal grievances. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to effectively address and mitigate such risks.
In the wake of the incident, communities and authorities came together to offer support to those affected and to ensure that necessary steps were taken to prevent similar incidents. The incident underscored the importance of remaining vigilant and united in the face of challenges, both from external threats and from individuals grappling with personal struggles.
Overall, the incident involving Livelsberger highlighted the complex interplay of individual motivations, societal issues, and security concerns. It served as a sobering reminder of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to safeguard communities and uphold the values of safety and security for all.
