Soldier Who Detonated Cybertruck in Las Vegas Used ChatGPT to Coordinate Attack

A 37-year-old former Army Green Beret, Matthew Livelsberger, who had served two tours in Afghanistan, carried out a self-inflicted act that culminated in the detonation of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The explosion occurred moments after Livelsberger ended his own life. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, he utilized generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, to aid in the planning stages of this tragic event.

During the investigation, it emerged that Livelsberger sought information from ChatGPT on topics ranging from explosive targets and ammunition velocity to the legalities of fireworks in Arizona. Notes found on his personal devices reflected deep concerns about national issues, with Livelsberger viewing the incident as an attempt to "awaken" the country and alleviate his personal psychological burdens. Importantly, there was no indication that the attack was aimed at President-elect Donald Trump or Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The blast caused minor injuries to seven bystanders but left the Trump International Hotel largely unscathed. Law enforcement officials stated that Livelsberger operated independently, and the incident was not linked to the separate truck bombing in New Orleans on the same day, which tragically resulted in 14 fatalities and involved the use of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses for reconnaissance.

Livelsberger's writings delved into both domestic and global matters, expressing a bleak outlook on the state of the nation and its role in international conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. He believed the U.S. was experiencing a period of irreversible decline. Despite his profound dissatisfaction with political and social conditions, Livelsberger did not express hostility toward Trump. On the contrary, he suggested that unity around figures like Trump and Musk could be beneficial for the country.