Cybertruck Explosion in Las Vegas: AI-Assisted Plot Sparks Controversy
Suspect Used AI to Plan Attack
On New Year’s Day, outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck explosion drew global attention. Authorities revealed that the accused, a U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant named Matthew Leivelsberger, allegedly used ChatGPT to plan the attack. The news was reported by CBS.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated during a press conference that Leivelsberger relied on ChatGPT to determine the amount of explosives needed, purchase fireworks, and acquire mobile phones anonymously. Sheriff McMahill remarked, “AI technology is poised to bring changes across many aspects of our lives, and this marks the first instance where ChatGPT played a role in such assistance.”
A spokesperson from OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, told CBS News, “Our models are designed to reject harmful instructions and reduce access to harmful content. In this case, ChatGPT only provided publicly available information from the internet and issued warnings against harmful or illegal actions. We are cooperating with law enforcement.”
New Findings on the Explosion
Las Vegas police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) released additional information about the explosion. Footage reportedly captured Leivelsberger pouring racing fuel over the Cybertruck before the blast. The exact trigger of the explosion remains unclear, but investigators speculate that the muzzle flash from the firearm Leivelsberger used to take his own life may have caused it.
A note found on Leivelsberger’s phone indicated he believed someone was following him. The note resembled a personal diary, containing detailed accounts of his actions.
The investigation also revealed that Leivelsberger had initially planned to execute his plot at the Grand Canyon’s Glass Skywalk in Arizona. However, authorities are uncertain why he changed his location and timeline.
Mental Health and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI has suggested the explosion was likely an act of suicide. Further investigation revealed that Leivelsberger may have been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and family issues, which could have contributed to his actions.
Leivelsberger had no prior criminal record and was not previously on the radar of the FBI or Las Vegas police.
This incident has raised concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in assisting individuals with malicious intent, despite safeguards. Investigations are ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge.
