Police have revealed that the suspect in the Las Vegas Tesla Cybertruck attack used various generative AI tools including ChatGPT in order to plan the explosive incident.
It is now understood that the individual behind the attack that saw a Tesla Cybertruck explode outside of Trump Tower in Las Vegas was Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old former US Army Green Beret.
Livelsberger fatally shot himself inside the vehicle prior to the explosion, which involved cannisters of gasoline and fireworks, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk was quick to clarify that the explosion had nothing to do with the Cybertruck's vitals.
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Following an investigation, police have revealed that Livelsberger used multiple forms of generative AI - primarily OpenAI's ChatGPT - in order to plan the attack.
This included queries on explosive targets, the speed of certain ammunition, and whether fireworks were legal in Arizona, as reported by Sky News.
Law enforcement have specifically revealed some of his requests to ChatGPT, which included the legal limit of Tannerite you could buy in Colorado, the equivalent of Tannerite to one pound of TNT, and whether certain rounds of ammunition would set off the explosive.
Kevin McMahill, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sheriff, described the discovery as "a concerning moment," expounding that "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."
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He also described the use of AI as a "game changer," and it's hard not to see how effective it was compared to methods that were available prior to the innovations of tech like ChatGPT.
It was also discovered that Livelsberger left various notes on his phone prior to the attack, which included a number of political grievances and opinions on international conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He indicated that the attack was meant to be a "wake up call" for America, a country that he described to be "terminally ill and heading towards collapse."
Contrary to what many thought, however, the notes also show support somewhat for president-elect Donald Trump, imploring the nation to "rally around" the incoming head of state and close ally Elon Musk.
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Many have reacted to this story by calling for AI regulation as the generative technology appeared to play a key role in the planning process, but it is unclear whether any further actions will be taken as of yet.
As this is largely the first incident of its kind it's difficult to judge the true ramifications, but it has certainly sparked a conversation on social media and beyond around the safety measures and ethical considerations of such technology.