New Details Emerge in Las Vegas Explosion Investigation

Nearly a week after a New Year’s Day explosion in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, local law enforcement released more information about their investigation, including what they know so far about the role of generative AI in the incident.

Suspect's Manifesto and Preparation

Authorities confirmed that the suspect, an active duty soldier in the US Army named Matthew Livelsberger, had a “possible manifesto” saved on his phone, in addition to an email to a podcaster and other letters. Video evidence showed him preparing for the explosion by pouring fuel onto the truck while stopped before driving to the hotel. Despite keeping a log of supposed surveillance, officials stated that he did not have a criminal record and was not being surveilled or investigated.

ChatGPT Queries

The Las Vegas Metro Police also released several slides showing questions Livelsberger had posed to ChatGPT several days before the explosion. He inquired about explosives, how to detonate them, and how to detonate them with a gunshot, as well as information about where to buy guns, explosive material, and fireworks legally along his route.

Asked about the queries, OpenAI spokesperson Liz Bourgeois stated:

We are saddened by this incident and committed to seeing AI tools used responsibly. 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.

Possible Source of Explosion

Authorities are still examining possible sources for the explosion, described as a deflagration that traveled rather slowly. While other possibilities like an electrical short haven't been ruled out yet, one explanation that matches some of the queries and the available evidence is that the muzzle flash of a gunshot ignited fuel vapor/fireworks fuses inside the truck, leading to a larger explosion of fireworks and other explosive materials.

AI Chatbot Guardrails and Privacy

Despite the suspect's use of a generative AI tool, the queries he made could be obtained by most search methods. However, the investigators' ability to track those requests and present them as evidence raises questions about AI chatbot guardrails, safety, and privacy in our reality.