“ChatGPT, Devil in Disguise” After Trump Tower Cybertruck Explosion  

The Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, associated with US Army Green Beret who used OpenAI’s ChatGPT in his planning, left investigators examining how AI-assisted planning could influence deadly events. 

On January 1, 37-year-old highly decorated Army soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, fatally shot himself in the head just before the vehicle’s detonation, just after the Las Vegas Cybertruck attack. Authorities say his use of AI raises never considered before concerns about the potential AI misuse. 

Matthew Livelsberger Cybertruck Explosion 

In the aftermath of the Tesla Cybertruck explosion, the FBI discovered Livelsberger had used ChatGPT to search topics related to explosive devices, ammunition speed, and Arizona’s legal restrictions on fireworks.  

“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,” according to Kevin McMahill, sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the use of AI tools is a “game-changer”. 

The soldier’s intentions became clearer through past notes uncovered by law enforcement. For him, the Cybertruck explosion is a political wake-up call, believing the US was “terminally ill and headed toward collapse.” 

Law enforcement officials did, however say that there was a political tone to the act, but suspect Livelsberger did not hold a grudge against President-elect Donald Trump. 

Contrary to that, the writings pointed to the fact that the US needed to “rally around” both Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. 

AI planning attacks 

The answers generated from ChatGPT are all publicly available information. Moreover, ChatGPT issued warnings against harmful and illegal activities.  

OpenAI commented and said the tool was committed to ensuring responsible and safe use and was in cooperation with the law enforcement on the investigation.  

The misuse of ChatGPT for Cybertruck explosion left seven people with minor injuries but inflicted minimal damage to the Trump International Hotel. Investigators said the former US soldier had rigged the Cybertruck with racing fuel, pyrotechnic material, and birdshot before arriving at the hotel. The explosion itself was likely triggered by the flash of Livelsberger’s firearm as he fatally shot himself. 

GPT Endorsing Violence? Or Simply Ignorant? 

The explosion of Cybertruck in Las Vegas with the use of ChatGPT highlights a significant concern about the risks associated with generative AI tools that are supposed to be user-friendly and for positive applications. 

However, the ability of ChatGPT to provide criminal content and dangerous information is questionable and raises alarms for law enforcement.  

While the investigation on the Cybertruck explosion continues, AI experts urge users to be cautious in using the AI tool. On the other hand, OpenAI took the responsibility to collaborate with law enforcement to prevent malicious incidents. 

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