Police have uncovered a six-page manifesto on Matthew Livelsberger’s phone, revealing that he used ChatGPT to plan his New Year’s Day bombing at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, according to Sheriff Kevin McMahill during a news conference on Tuesday.
Livelsberger, 37, a former Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces, fatally shot himself in the head just before detonating fireworks and other explosive materials in the back of a Tesla Cybertruck parked at the hotel’s front entrance. The explosion was triggered using racing fuel and birdshot, as stated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Tuesday. Unlike typical bombings, the blast was not set off by a detonator but by an unknown “flame,” which may have included the gunshot Livelsberger used to end his life.
Authorities believe Livelsberger initially intended to carry out an attack at the Grand Canyon, possibly to launch off the glass skywalk, but diverted his plans to Las Vegas based on additional documents discovered on his phone. Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) confirmed that the reasons behind Livelsberger’s choice of the Trump International Hotel remain unclear.
During a news conference last week, FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans stated that Livelsberger did not harbor any animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump or Tesla CEO Elon Musk. However, the manifesto revealed a range of grievances, including political and social issues, along with criticisms of the current administration. Livelsberger wrote about “graphic encounters” from his time in the Army and expressed that he intended to harm only himself.
The manifesto provided further insight into Livelsberger’s state of mind, suggesting he likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Assistant Sheriff Koren noted that Livelsberger’s writings added to the evidence pointing to his mental health struggles.
Investigators also discovered that Livelsberger utilized ChatGPT to assist in planning the attack. Queries entered into the application included questions such as “How much Tannerite is equivalent to 1 pound of TNT?” and “What pistol could set it off?” He also inquired about locations to purchase fireworks and the largest gun store in Denver.
OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, issued a statement expressing sadness over the incident and reaffirming their commitment to responsible AI use. “We are saddened by this incident and committed to seeing AI tools used responsibly,” a spokesperson from OpenAI said. “Our models are designed to refuse harmful instructions and minimize harmful content. In this case, ChatGPT responded with information already publicly available on the internet and provided warnings against harmful or illegal activities. We’re working with law enforcement to support their investigation.”
The use of AI tools like ChatGPT in planning criminal activities has raised concerns about the potential misuse of such technologies. Law enforcement agencies continue to explore ways to prevent and address the exploitation of artificial intelligence in illicit schemes.
The investigation into Livelsberger’s actions is ongoing, with authorities seeking to understand the full extent of his planning and motivations behind the attack.