Las Vegas police revealed Tuesday that 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, who died in a pre-explosion shooting, utilized ChatGPT to research and plan the New Year's Day explosion targeting a Las Vegas hotel. The blast injured seven others.
Livelsberger, according to police, employed ChatGPT to gather information on weaponry, explosives, and locations of firearm retailers, including those in Denver. His actions underscore a concerning potential application of AI in criminal activity.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill highlighted the unprecedented nature of using AI for such a plot. "It's a troubling development," he said, noting the potential for AI to be employed in creating devices and accessing information across the country.
Livelsberger's six-page manifesto, released by police, contained criticisms of the Biden administration and Democratic Party, along with personal reflections about his military service and mental health struggles.
The manifesto indicated the planned explosion aimed for a public spectacle rather than targeting specific individuals. The use of fireworks and explosives, coupled with Livelsberger's documented struggles, suggest a complex motivation behind the incident.
Police also confirmed that Livelsberger expressed no intent to harm others directly. The specific reasons for selecting President-elect Trump's hotel as the target remain under investigation.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, stated that its models are designed to avoid harmful instructions and minimize dangerous content. However, in this case, the AI apparently accessed public information and offered warnings about harmful acts. OpenAI emphasized its commitment to cooperating with the investigation.
