Police Say Suspect in Tesla Explosion Outside Trump Hotel Used AI ...
The highly decorated soldier who exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas used generative AI including ChatGPT to help plan the attack, Las Vegas police said Tuesday. Nearly a week after 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger fatally shot himself, officials said according to writings, he didn’t intend to kill anyone else.
AI's Role in the Incident
An investigation of Livelsberger’s searches through ChatGPT indicate he was looking for information on explosive targets, the speed at which certain rounds of ammunition would travel and whether fireworks were legal in Arizona. 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. “This is the first incident that I’m aware of on U.S. soil where ChatGPT is utilized to help an individual build a particular device,” he said. “It’s a concerning moment.”
Responsibility and Collaboration
In an emailed statement, OpenAI said it was committed to seeing its tools used “responsibly” and that they’re designed to refuse harmful instructions. “In this case, ChatGPT responded with information already publicly available on the internet and provided warnings against harmful or illegal activities. We’re working with law enforcement to support their investigation,” the emailed statement said.
Explosion Details Unveiled
During a roughly half-hour-long news conference, Las Vegas police and federal law enforcement officials unveiled new details about the New Year’s Day explosion. Livelsberger stopped during the drive to Las Vegas to pour racing-grade fuel into the Cybertruck, which then dripped the substance. The vehicle was loaded with pyrotechnic material and birdshot. Authorities also said they uncovered a six-page document and are still reviewing contents on a laptop, mobile phone, and smartwatch.
Personal Insight into Livelsberger's Mindset
Livelsberger left notes saying the explosion was a stunt meant to be a “wake-up call” for the nation’s troubles. His letters touched on political grievances, societal problems, and domestic and international issues. Investigators had been trying to determine if Livelsberger wanted to make a political point, given the Tesla and the hotel bearing the president-elect’s name.
Livelsberger acted alone and harbored no ill will toward President-elect Donald Trump. In one of the notes he left, he said the country needed to “rally around” him and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The explosion caused minor injuries to seven people but virtually no damage to the Trump International Hotel.
Personal Insight into Livelsberger's Mindset
Livelsberger left notes saying the explosion was a stunt meant to be a “wake-up call” for the nation’s troubles. His letters touched on political grievances, societal problems, and domestic and international issues. Investigators had been trying to determine if Livelsberger wanted to make a political point, given the Tesla and the hotel bearing the president-elect’s name.
Livelsberger acted alone and harbored no ill will toward President-elect Donald Trump. In one of the notes he left, he said the country needed to “rally around” him and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
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