The Tesla Cybertruck explosion incident at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day 2025 resulted in 1 death and 7 injuries. Police pointed out that the suspect, 37-year-old former U.S. Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, used ChatGPT to plan the explosion. Livelsberger ultimately shot himself inside the vehicle, and this case has become an important warning about AI in public safety.
First case of generative AI attack plan
According to Bloomberg, U.S. police stated this is the first time they have discovered generative AI being used in an attack plan, where Livelsberger used ChatGPT to inquire about constructing explosive devices, ballistic velocity, and other related information, further planning this explosion. 'This will change future law enforcement thinking.' The police were shocked. OpenAI responded that ChatGPT was designed to avoid providing harmful or illegal information. After this incident, OpenAI is also actively cooperating with police investigations.
The Cybertruck concealed a large amount of explosives
Police stated that Livelsberger added racing fuel to the Cybertruck and loaded 27 fireworks and 32 kilograms of steel balls inside the vehicle. After parking outside the Trump Hotel, he immediately shot himself, and the flash from the bullet might have ignited flammable materials inside the car, resulting in the explosion. Surveillance footage showed flames quickly spreading through the car's door gaps, followed by the explosion. Despite the tremendous power of the explosion, the glass at the Trump Hotel entrance was almost unscathed.
Smoke quickly spread from the vehicle to the outside, followed by an explosion; it was not a terrorist attack, but a suicide action that awakened American attention to social issues
Police indicated that Livelsberger had no criminal record before his death and was not listed as a target of law enforcement monitoring. His diary indicated that he believed he was being watched, but he claimed he had no intention of harming others, only hoping to awaken the nation’s attention to social issues through this action. Livelsberger was also concerned about being labeled a 'terrorist' by the outside world. The diary also mentioned that he originally considered carrying out the plan at the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona but ultimately changed his target, with motives still under investigation.
Police and relevant units inspect the wreckage of the exploded vehicle, expressing complete disappointment with the United States, calling on the public to support Trump and Musk
Livelsberger's diary revealed his dissatisfaction with American political and social issues as well as international events, including the Russia-Ukraine war. He believed that America is already in critical condition and heading towards collapse. However, the diary did not show any hostility towards incoming President Trump or Tesla CEO Musk, but rather called on the public to 'unite and support' both.
The challenge of new technology, the role of AI in public safety
While the case has come to a close, police continue to investigate Livelsberger's computer, mobile phone, and smartwatch, and are collaborating with the Department of Defense to analyze a six-page document that may involve national secrets held by Livelsberger. The police emphasized that this case is the first instance of generative AI being used in an attack plan in the U.S., which may pose a significant challenge for law enforcement and public safety in the future.
(Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Musk mocks: Wrong car for a terror attack!)
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