Las Vegas police revealed Tuesday that Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old former Army Green Beret, used ChatGPT and other AI tools to plan the New Year's Day explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
According to investigators, Livelsberger conducted ChatGPT searches about explosive targets, ammunition ballistics, and fireworks regulations before carrying out the attack that ended in his suicide.
"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," said Kevin McMahill, sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. "It's a concerning moment."
Police revealed that Livelsberger loaded the Cybertruck with 60 pounds of pyrotechnic materials and poured racing fuel into the vehicle during his drive from Colorado Springs. Video evidence shows the fuel leaking from the truck as he approached the hotel's valet area.
The explosion caused minor injuries to seven people but minimal damage to the Trump property. Investigators found notes on Livelsberger's phone describing the incident as a "wake up call" regarding national issues. The writings touched on political grievances, societal problems, and international conflicts.
Despite choosing the Trump hotel location, officials stated Livelsberger held no animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump. In fact, his notes suggested the country should "rally around" Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The decorated veteran, who served two tours in Afghanistan, left messages about needing to "cleanse" his mind of lost comrades and lives taken during service. Law enforcement confirmed Livelsberger had no prior criminal record and acted alone in planning and executing the attack.
Police are still reviewing evidence from Livelsberger's laptop, phone, and watch. The department is sharing information about the AI-assisted attack planning with other law enforcement agencies across the country.