Investigators reveal the role of AI and political motives behind the New Year’s Day Tesla explosion outside Trump Hotel.
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| Decorated soldier uses AI tools, including ChatGPT, to plan Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Learn the full story. Image/ Illustration: ChicHue |
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA — January 18, 2025:
A decorated U.S. Army Green Beret who detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day used generative AI, including ChatGPT, to assist in planning the incident, according to Las Vegas police.
Matthew Livelsberger, 37, fatally shot himself during the event, which authorities have deemed an isolated act. Although the explosion caused minor injuries to seven individuals, it resulted in virtually no damage to the hotel. Livelsberger reportedly intended the act as a "wake-up call" for the nation’s societal and political issues, rather than an attempt to harm others, officials said.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill described Livelsberger’s use of generative AI as a "game-changer," marking the first known instance of such technology being utilized in this manner on U.S. soil. Livelsberger used AI tools to search for information on explosive targets, ammunition, and the legality of fireworks in Arizona.
“This is a concerning moment,” McMahill said during a press briefing. “We are sharing our findings with other law enforcement agencies to better understand the implications of these tools.”
OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, stated that its technology is designed to reject harmful instructions. “ChatGPT responded with information already publicly available and issued warnings against illegal activities,” the company said in a statement.
Authorities revealed that Livelsberger loaded the Cybertruck with 60 pounds of pyrotechnic materials and 70 pounds of birdshot, using racing-grade fuel that likely contributed to the explosion. Investigators believe the flash from the firearm Livelsberger used to shoot himself may have triggered the blast.
Surveillance footage captured the sequence of events, showing flames engulfing the truck’s cabin before the explosion.
Officials discovered writings and notes from Livelsberger, including a six-page document containing potentially classified information. These writings, still under review, detail his political grievances, societal concerns, and personal struggles, including trauma from his military service.
A journal titled “surveillance log” suggested Livelsberger believed he was being tracked by law enforcement, although he had no criminal record and was not on any agency’s radar. Initially, Livelsberger considered targeting the Grand Canyon’s glass skywalk in Arizona but ultimately chose Las Vegas for reasons unknown.
Letters left behind by Livelsberger showed he did not intend to harm others, though he feared being labeled a terrorist. He expressed admiration for both President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, urging the nation to rally behind them.
The incident underscores concerns about the misuse of generative AI and its accessibility to the public. Law enforcement agencies are now reevaluating how such technologies could influence future threats.
“This event serves as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges we face in ensuring public safety,” McMahill said.