An active-duty US Army Green Beret utilized artificial intelligence to plan the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The soldier reportedly used ChatGPT to gather information on conducting the plot, marking a significant development in utilizing AI for such purposes.
Authorities revealed that the soldier sought information on explosives, firearms, and anonymous cell phone purchases through ChatGPT. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, expressed sadness over the incident and emphasized the importance of responsible AI usage.
The explosion involved a bomb detonated by the soldier, who was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident, which injured seven individuals, was described as a tragic case involving a combat veteran struggling with PTSD and other issues.
Law enforcement officials discovered a six-page manifesto on the soldier's phone, detailing his intent to create a public explosion using the Cybertruck. The document also referenced the soldier's military experiences and inner turmoil.
Despite finding at least 60 pounds of explosive material at the scene, authorities noted that the blast could have been much more severe. The soldier indicated in his writings that he did not intend to harm others, potentially preventing a larger-scale explosion.
While the investigation continues, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities regarding the nature of the incident. The FBI and ATF are collaborating with local law enforcement to gather more information and understand the motives behind the soldier's actions.
