Driver Used ChatGPT to Plan Deadly Attack, Authorities Claim

Published Date : 10/01/2025 

The tragic explosion at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has raised new concerns about the misuse of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in facilitating dangerous activities. 

The new year had just begun when technology was thrust into the limelight through a devastating incident.

In a tragic event that shocked many, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded just outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of one person and minor injuries to seven others.

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed the incident, which has sparked intense discussions about the dark side of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s world.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department revealed that the truck’s bed contained a mix of gasoline canisters, camp fuel, and large firework mortars, all believed to be part of a detonation system controlled by the driver.

The combination of materials suggested a meticulously planned and premeditated attack.

The driver, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier in the US Army, was found to have a ‘possible manifesto’ on his phone, along with emails to a podcaster and other documents outlining his intentions.

Surveillance footage showed him pouring fuel onto the truck at a stop before driving to the hotel.

Despite his extensive preparations, Livelsberger had no prior criminal record and was not under surveillance.

One of the most alarming revelations was that Livelsberger had used ChatGPT, an AI tool, to aid in his planning.

Law enforcement reported that he queried the AI for information on assembling explosives, calculating the speed needed to detonate materials, and identifying legal loopholes for acquiring components.

Sheriff McMahill commented, ‘We know AI was going to change the game for all of us at some point or another.

I think this is the first incident that I’m aware of on US soil where ChatGPT is utilised to help an individual build a particular device.’

Sadly, Livelsberger’s life ended at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities identified his body through DNA and tattoos due to the extensive burns he sustained in the explosion.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, responded to the incident with a statement expressing their sorrow and reiterating their commitment to responsible AI use.

‘Our models are designed to refuse harmful instructions and minimise harmful content.

In this case, ChatGPT responded with information already publicly available on the internet and provided warnings against harmful or illegal activities,’ the statement read.

OpenAI also confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.

The explosion was described as a deflagration, a slower, less destructive reaction compared to a high-explosive detonation.

Investigators suspect the muzzle flash from a gunshot may have ignited fuel vapours or fireworks fuses in the truck, triggering a chain reaction.

However, other possibilities, such as an electrical short, have not been ruled out.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the double-edged nature of technology.

While AI holds tremendous potential, its darker applications are forcing society to consider how to prevent such tragedies in the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: Who was the driver involved in the Las Vegas explosion?

A: The driver was identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier in the US Army.

Q: What was found in the truck at the scene of the explosion?

A: The truck’s bed contained a mix of gasoline canisters, camp fuel, and large firework mortars, believed to be part of a detonation system.

Q: How did the driver use ChatGPT in his planning?

A: He used ChatGPT to gather information on assembling explosives, calculating the speed needed to detonate materials, and identifying legal loopholes for acquiring components.

Q: What was the response from OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT?

A: OpenAI expressed sorrow and emphasized their commitment to responsible AI use, stating that their models are designed to refuse harmful instructions and minimize harmful content.

Q: What is a deflagration, and how does it differ from a high-explosive detonation?

A: A deflagration is a slower, less destructive reaction compared to a high-explosive detonation, which is a rapid and more powerful explosion. 

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