LAS VEGAS: A decorated US special forces soldier who triggered a fiery explosion in a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret. Authorities revealed on Thursday that Livelsberger shot himself in the head inside the vehicle before the blast, though his motives remain “unknown.”
The explosion occurred early Wednesday, wounding seven people. Livelsberger’s body was found burned beyond recognition, but identification was made through his military ID, passport, and credit cards.
Sequence of Events
Livelsberger reportedly rented the Tesla Cybertruck in Colorado on December 28 and drove through Arizona and New Mexico, reaching Las Vegas on January 1. Surveillance footage shows the truck parked at the Trump Hotel’s entrance before erupting into flames. Smaller explosions, attributed to fireworks, followed the initial blast.
Inside the vehicle, investigators found two legally purchased semi-automatic handguns, fireworks, and fuel containers.
Authorities’ Investigation
Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed Livelsberger was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A gun was found at his feet, and the coroner ruled his death a suicide.
FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans stated there was no evidence linking Livelsberger to terrorist organizations or ideologies. “The motivation at this point is unknown,” Evans said, adding that any connection to the Trump Hotel or Tesla’s owner, Elon Musk, is still under investigation.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) special agent Kenny Cooper noted that the explosive components were consumer-grade items like fireworks and fuel. Investigators believe the blast lacked the level of sophistication expected from someone with Livelsberger’s military training.
Military Background
Livelsberger, a Green Beret who served in Afghanistan in 2009, was stationed in Germany at the time of his death. An Army spokesperson confirmed he was on approved leave and had received multiple Bronze Star Medals, including one for valor.
No Link to New Orleans Attack
The explosion occurred hours after a separate incident in New Orleans, where a pickup truck plowed into a crowd, killing 14 and injuring dozens. While investigators initially explored potential connections between the two events, they now believe the incidents are unrelated.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Vegas blast, describing it as an “isolated incident.”
