Suspect uses ChatGPT to plan explosive blast in Las Vegas
- The explosion occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day 2025, injuring seven individuals.
- Matthew Livelsberger, identified as the suspect, used ChatGPT to determine the explosives needed for the blast and was reported to have acted alone.
- This incident raises significant concerns about the potential misuse of AI technologies for harmful purposes.
On New Year’s Day 2025, a serious incident occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, where a Tesla Cybertruck exploded. This explosion resulted in seven individuals sustaining minor injuries. The perpetrator was identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Law enforcement officials reported that Livelsberger acted alone, and there was no direct link to any broader conspiracy or animosity toward the US President-elect Donald Trump, who was associated with the hotel. Investigations revealed that Livelsberger had utilized the AI chatbot ChatGPT to calculate the amount of explosives necessary for the attack. This marks a notable first on US soil where such AI technology was employed in planning a violent action. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department raised concerns regarding the potential for artificial intelligence tools to be misused in harmful ways, accentuating a growing fear surrounding the capabilities of AI and its accessibility. The Federal Bureau of Investigation categorized the incident as appearing to be a case of suicide, further complicating the narrative surrounding Livelsberger's actions. Authorities mentioned that a six-page manifesto was discovered on his phone, which they were still investigating. Though critics of AI had warned about its possible misuse, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, stated that its models are designed to refuse harmful instructions and mixed information provided was already publicly accessible. The company emphasized its commitment to responsible use of AI. This disturbing event has led to increased scrutiny regarding the implications of AI tools and their ability to assist individuals in executing harmful plans. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department pointed out the unprecedented nature of this incident in the context of AI technology. As discussions about the accountability of AI continue to evolve, this incident adds another layer to the ongoing debate concerning the risks associated with emerging technologies.