Green Beret Who Exploded Cybertruck outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Used AI to Plan Blast, Police Say

A Green Beret who exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas used generative AI, including ChatGPT, to help plan the attack, the Associated Press reported, citing Las Vegas police.

Matthew Livelsberger fatally shot himself on New Year’s Day before detonation, officials said, according to writings, he didn’t intend to kill anyone else.

What did police say about the devices?

Kevin McMahill, sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, called the use of generative AI a “game-changer” and said the department was sharing information with other law enforcement agencies, the AP reported.

An investigation of Matthew Livelsberger’s searches through ChatGPT revealed he was searching for information on explosive targets, the rate at which certain rounds of ammunition would travel, and whether fireworks were legal in Arizona.

New details released in case

Matthew Livelsberger stopped during the drive to Las Vegas to pour racing-grade fuel into the Cybertruck. The vehicle was loaded with 60 pounds of pyrotechnic material and 70 pounds of birdshot, but authorities are still not sure what detonated the explosion.

Police said Tuesday it could have been the flash from the gun that Livelsberger used to fatally shoot himself, according to the AP.

Watch: Explosion in Cybertruck outside Trump hotel

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department provided updates and released this footage after an explosives-laden Cybertruck burned outside the front doors of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day.

Who was Matthew Livelsberger?

Matthew Livelsberger, an Army Green Beret who deployed twice to Afghanistan and lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, left notes saying the explosion was a “wake up call” for the nation’s troubles, officials said last week.

According to the AP, Livelsberger left cellphone notes saying he needed to “cleanse” his mind “of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.”

Livelsberger’s letters described political complaints, societal problems, and domestic and international issues, including the war in Ukraine. He wrote that the U.S. was “terminally ill and headed toward collapse.”

His letter didn’t express ill will toward President-elect Donald Trump, law enforcement officials shared with the AP. In one of the notes Livelsberger left, he said the country needed to “rally around” Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Conclusion

The use of generative AI in this incident highlights the potential risks and challenges posed by the increasing availability of advanced technologies. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it is essential to be aware of the potential consequences of its misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the motive behind the explosion?
  Matthew Livelsberger’s writings suggest he wanted to create a "wake-up call" for the nation’s troubles, but authorities are still investigating the exact motive.
• Was anyone injured in the explosion?
  Yes, seven people were treated for minor injuries, but there was no damage to the Trump International Hotel.
• What was the role of AI in the incident?
  Matthew Livelsberger used generative AI, including ChatGPT, to help plan the attack.