Las Vegas police revealed on Tuesday that Matthew Livelsberger, the Green Beret soldier involved in the explosion outside the Trump International Hotel, had used ChatGPT to plan the attack. According to authorities, Livelsberger committed suicide by shooting himself after the attack. Police say that his intention was not to harm anyone else.
Searches made on ChatGPT
Livelsberger’s search of ChatGPT revealed that he had obtained information related to the targeting of explosives, bullet velocity, and legal aspects of fireworks in Arizona.
- Police statement: Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said, “This is the first time generative AI was used to create an explosive device. This is a game-changer.”
OpenAI statement
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, expressed concern over the incident.
- He says:
- ChatGPT is designed for responsible use.
- It does not follow illegal or harmful instructions.
- OpenAI has promised to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in this matter.
Leavelsberger’s plan and details of the explosion
- Green Beret soldier: Leavelsberger was deployed twice to Afghanistan.
- Explosive material: He had loaded 27 kg of fireworks material and 32 kg of birdshot in his Tesla Cybertruck.
- Cause of explosion:
- Police suspect that a flash from the weapon used for suicide triggered the explosion.
- Racing-grade fuel may also contribute to detonation.
Livelsberger’s mental state
- Surveillance Journal: He wrote in his journal that he suspected he was being followed by the police, although he had no criminal record.
- Change in plan:
- Earlier he had planned to detonate the glass skywalk of the Grand Canyon of Arizona.
- Later he changed his plan.
- Purpose of the explosion:
- Leavelsberger wrote that its purpose was to raise awareness of “the country’s problems.”
- She also expressed her fear of being labeled a terrorist and seen as someone who would harm others.
