Suspect in cybertruck explosion used ChatGPT to plan attack, say police

The Las Vegas metropolitan police department investigating a recent cybertruck explosion says the suspect used ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, to plan the attack.

On January 1, a Tesla cybertruck exploded outside the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of one person and injuring seven others.

Two days later, authorities identified the deceased as Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty soldier from Colorado Springs.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the incident appeared to be a case of suicide, noting that Livelsberger, a former Trump supporter, showed no animosity towards the president-elect.

However, investigators suspect that he may have been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to Reuters, during a press conference on Tuesday, Kevin McMahill, sheriff of the metropolitan police department, stated that there is evidence to suggest that the suspect used ChatGPT.

McMahill also claimed that the suspect sought information through the AI chatbot to design the device used for the attack.

“Of particular note, we also have clear evidence in this case now that the suspect used ChatGPT artificial intelligence to help plan his attack,” the sheriff said.

“This is the first incident that I am aware of on US soil where ChatGPT is utilised to help an individual build a particular device.”

In response, OpenAI, through a statement on Axios, reiterated its commitment to the ethical use of its tools.

The tech firm also stated that it would cooperate with authorities in their investigation.

“In this case, ChatGPT responded with information already publicly available on the internet and provided warnings against harmful or illegal activities,” the statement reads in part.

“We’re working with law enforcement to support their investigation.”