We know a little more about Matthew Livelsberger’s methods. The suspect who died in the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas (United States) on January 1, 2025 in front of the Trump hotel, used generative AI, in particular ChatGPT, to help plan his attack, according to the announcements of the Nevada City Police Department.
According to the examination of his computer, his cell phone and his connected watch, the 37-year-old suspect, who committed suicide before blowing up his vehicle last week, carried out several compromising searches using the artificial intelligence.
“A game changer” for ChatGPT
The former soldier, deployed twice to Afghanistan, reportedly searched ChatGPT for information about explosive targets, how fast certain rounds would travel and whether fireworks were legal in Arizona.
“This is the first incident that I’m aware of on US soil where ChatGPT is being used to help someone build this type of thing,” said Kevin McMahill, sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. “It’s a worrying moment,” he added, saying the use of generative AI in this event would be “a game changer.”
VideoMatthew Livelsberger, the former soldier behind the Cybertruck explosion in Vegas
After some doubts about a potential link with the attack in New Orleans, the police indicated this Friday that the suspect was suffering from “post-traumatic stress” and “had no animosity towards the president” newly elected.
“This appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a decorated veteran… who is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues,” said the FBI agent in charge of the case. investigation, Spencer Evans, during a press conference.
