Islam Times - Cybertruck Bomber Used AI to Plan Las Vegas Attack, Authorities Say

Islam Times - Matthew Livelsberger, the 37-year-old former Green Beret behind the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion, used ChatGPT to assist in planning the attack, according to law enforcement.

The explosion, which occurred outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year's Day, resulted in Livelsberger's death and injured seven bystanders.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police revealed that Livelsberger, a US Army Ranger, employed generative AI technology to gather information on building an explosive device. During a Tuesday press conference, Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that Livelsberger had used ChatGPT to help “build a particular device” and “plan his attack.”

“We know AI was going to change the game for all of us at some point or another,” McMahill said. “I think this is the first incident that I’m aware of on US soil where ChatGPT is utilized to help an individual build a particular device.”

The exact details of Livelsberger’s AI queries remain unclear. Police also discovered a six-page manifesto on his phone, which confirmed his suicide.

Livelsberger died after shooting himself in the head moments before the improvised explosive device detonated in the back of a rented Tesla Cybertruck.

OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, expressed sorrow over the use of its technology in the attack. “We are saddened by this incident and committed to seeing AI tools used responsibly,” a company spokesperson stated. “Our models are designed to refuse harmful instructions and minimize harmful content.”

The manifesto pages revealed more about Livelsberger’s motives. Authorities stated that Livelsberger’s actions were driven by personal grievances and PTSD, not terrorism. FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans stated that the attack was a “tragic case of suicide” stemming from Livelsberger’s mental health struggles.

In his manifesto, Livelsberger warned of a growing threat from Chinese drones, claiming they were “the most dangerous threat to national security.” He also expressed deep dissatisfaction with US leadership, stating that the nation was “terminally ill and headed towards collapse.”

Alicia Arritt, Livelsberger’s ex-girlfriend, later shared details of his mental health issues, citing signs of PTSD as early as 2018. She explained that Livelsberger had been suffering from paranoia, nightmares, and depression, which he was reluctant to address due to stigma within the military.

Livelsberger, who had been on a break from active duty, rented the Cybertruck in Colorado and drove it to Nevada, where he carried out the attack. Police noted that the vehicle likely saved lives by containing the explosion, as Livelsberger was the only fatality.