Date: January 9, 2025, 01:33h. 

Last updated on: January 9, 2025, 01:33h.

Proper guest evacuation took place following the explosion at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day, as stated by local fire officials.

The Clark County Fire Department praised the hotel’s safety systems’ performance post-incident, per information from Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

Although the fire alarms at the hotel usually sound on the fire floor and surrounding levels, the situation called for a different alarm activation that still effectively alerted the appropriate areas.

The fire department official explained to KLAS, “Alarms were sounding in the lobby due to sprinkler activation in the porte-cochere. Additionally, smoke detectors on the mezzanine level activated, which set off alarms on the floor above, the pool deck level.”

Furthermore, the hotel responsibly allowed guests the choice to remain in their rooms or evacuate once the threat was cleared, as confirmed by the official.

An exceptional coordination effort between LVMPD [Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department], regional partners, and the hotel property was noted and appreciated, the statement stated.

Following the explosion, LVMPD officers directed departing Trump Hotel guests to an outdoor assembly point, where RTC buses offered transportation.

Poor Communications, Insufficient Assistance

However, some hotel guests took to social media and expressed discontent with the lack of communication during the incident. They also remarked on the inadequate presence of hotel staff to aid guests as they descended numerous flights of stairs.

Many guests experienced delays in accessing their belongings or vehicles. While some guests opted to relocate temporarily to Resorts World Las Vegas, others were unaware of this option, as reported by multiple sources.

Guests also highlighted the absence of communication from the hotel via email or text to keep them informed.

The incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. on January 1, involving suspect Matthew Livelsberger, 37, from Colorado Springs, Colo., who triggered the explosion in a Tesla Cybertruck before committing suicide in the vehicle. Seven individuals sustained minor injuries, and damage to the hotel was limited despite the truck’s proximity to the lobby entrance.

Fireworks, flammable liquids, and other combustible materials within the truck resulted in the explosion.

Local and federal officials are conducting an ongoing investigation to ascertain the circumstances of the explosion. It is speculated that the firearm’s muzzle flash may have ignited the fumes, as per statements from Las Vegas TV station KSNV.

Artificial Intelligence Application

Moreover, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill disclosed that Livelsberger employed ChatGPT, an AI technology, to research weapons and explosives.

His searches included information on explosive targets, projectile speed, and fireworks legality, as reported by National Public Radio.

Livelsberger also utilized ChatGPT to investigate Tannerite’s properties and whether it could be detonated using a firearm, ultimately purchasing firearms in Denver shortly before the incident.

McMahill emphasized at a press conference, “This is the first known incident on U.S. soil where ChatGPT was utilized to facilitate an individual in building a specific device. It is a moment of concern.”