The individual who tragically lost his life in the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill disclosed during a press briefing that Livelsberger shot himself in the head just before the explosion occurred. A handgun was discovered at his feet, supporting the theory of a suicide act.
Inside the Tesla Cybertruck, authorities found not only the handgun but also the deceased's identification and passport, along with other weapons, fireworks mortars, and fuel canisters. The vehicle exploded at the hotel's entrance on January 1, 2025, inflicting minor injuries on seven bystanders.
Who Was Soldier Matthew Livelsberger?
Matthew Livelsberger, aged 37, had an impressive 19-year military career, with 18 years spent in the Special Forces. He began his service as a communications specialist with the Green Berets in 2006 and most recently served as a Remote and Autonomous Systems Manager for the Army. At the time of the incident, he was on leave in Colorado.
Law enforcement sources mentioned that his wife had not heard from him for several days before the event. Furthermore, the FBI confirmed searches were conducted at a residence in Colorado Springs related to the case, though no additional details have been released.
Elon Musk on the Cybertruck's Features
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, took to his X account (previously known as Twitter) to clarify that the incident was not due to a vehicle malfunction. "We have confirmed the explosion was triggered by very large fireworks and/or a bomb placed in the bed of the rented Cybertruck. All vehicle telemetry data was positive," Musk asserted.
Sheriff McMahill also noted that the electric car's robust design played a role in mitigating the damage. "Being a Cybertruck significantly reduced the explosion's impact. Most of the blast was absorbed by the vehicle, preventing the glass doors of the hotel directly across from it from shattering," he stated.
Possible Links to New Orleans Attack
On the same day as the Las Vegas event, a driver named Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar plowed into a crowd in New Orleans, resulting in 15 fatalities before being shot by police. Both incidents share similarities, such as the use of rented vehicles and the military background of those involved. However, the FBI has stated there is no conclusive connection between the two cases at this time.
Public Debate and Reactions
The incident has reignited the discussion on public safety and the potential use of electric vehicles in violent acts. Eric Trump, owner of the Trump International Hotel, expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency services and reiterated his commitment to guest safety.
As investigations proceed, authorities focus on uncovering Livelsberger's motives and evaluating potential links to other recent events.
Understanding the Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Incident
What was the cause of the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas?
The explosion was reportedly caused by large fireworks and/or a bomb placed in the bed of the rented Cybertruck.
Who was Matthew Livelsberger?
Matthew Livelsberger was a 37-year-old active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army, with a 19-year military career, primarily in the Special Forces.
What similarities exist between the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents?
Both incidents involved rented vehicles and individuals with military backgrounds, although no definitive link has been established by the FBI.