Authorities declare the use of ChatGPT in the Las Vegas New Year’s Day incident a significant turning point.
Las Vegas police revealed that Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated US Army Green Beret suspected of orchestrating a New Year’s Day explosion outside the Trump International Hotel, used generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, in the attack’s planning.
A Tuesday press conference detailed findings from an analysis of Livelsberger’s ChatGPT queries. These showed he sought information on attack targets, ammunition velocities, and firework legality.
On January 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. Livelsberger, the driver, was found dead within the vehicle. Seven individuals sustained minor injuries, and the hotel suffered minimal damage.
“To my knowledge, this is the first US incident involving ChatGPT’s use in building a specific device,” stated Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill during Tuesday’s press conference.
He characterized the AI’s use as a “game-changer” and a “concerning development.”
OpenAI, ChatGPT’s developer, affirmed its commitment to responsible tool usage in a statement to the Associated Press, emphasizing the tools’ design to reject harmful instructions.
Launched in 2022, ChatGPT is one of OpenAI’s creations. Unlike prior large language models, its accessibility and user-friendly design make it readily available to anyone online.
Reports indicate Livelsberger died by self-inflicted gunshot before the explosion. Investigators remain uncertain about the precise detonation trigger, suggesting Tuesday that it may have been the firearm’s flash.
Las Vegas police released Livelsberger’s letters on Friday, revealing the veteran’s deep discontent with societal issues and personal struggles. Officials noted his battle with PTSD and recent marital separation.