On January 1st, Matthew Alan Livelsbergera decorated veteran of the United States Armydied after detonating explosives in a Tesla Cybertruck in front of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. As reported by the FBI and local police, the incident, which occurred on New Year’s afternoon, was a deliberate act that Livelsberger described as a “wake-up call” to American society. The explosion left seven people slightly injured and caused minor damage to the building.
Livelsberger, 37, suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was facing personal difficulties, according to authorities. The veteran, originally from Colorado Springs, Coloradoactively served in the Army Special Forcesknown as the Green Beretssince 2006 and accumulated numerous distinctions throughout his career, including five Bronze Stars and one Army Commendation Medal.
The explosion, which occurred in one of the busiest areas of Las Vegas on a celebration date, generated panic among visitors and hotel guests. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a plume of smoke rising from the nearby parking lot. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and evacuated part of the hotel while firefighters put out small fires caused by the wreckage of the vehicle.
According to the FBI, Livelsberger He left notes and digital records in which he explained his motivations. In one of the messages, the veteran expressed his frustration with the state of the country and criticized the political leaders, whom he described as “weak.” Livelsberger wrote: “We are the United States of America, the greatest country that has ever existed, but now we are seriously ill and headed for collapse.” He clarified that his action It should not be interpreted as a terrorist attackbut as an attempt to raise awareness: “Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to convey my message than with an event with fireworks and explosives?”
He sheriff’s deputy Dori Korenof the Las Vegas Metropolitan Policenoted that investigators reviewed Livelsberger’s phone, where documented his thoughts from December 21 to December 31. In those records, the veteran spoke about the losses of comrades in combat and the weight of the lives he took during his missions.
Livelsberger participated in operations in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo. He had recently returned from an assignment in Germany and was on leave. Throughout his career, he received a Bronze Star with Valor Devicea combat infantry badge and other decorations for bravery in combat.
The veteran lived in Colorado Springs with his wife and a baby. Neighbors described him as a reserved but kind person. Cindy Helwiga neighbor, mentioned that the last time she saw him was weeks before the incident, when Livelsberger asked to borrow a tool.
The Tesla Cybertruck used in the incident was rented by Livelsberger in Denver, Colorado. The explosion was caused by a combination of fireworks and camping fuel containers stored in the vehicle. Despite the magnitude of the blast, the Cybertruck’s steel structure absorbed much of the impact, preventing significant damage to the hotel and serious injuries to bystanders.
The FBI reported that Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the explosion. His severely burned body was identified through DNA testing and a tattoo. In the vehicle they found two legal firearms, a passport, military IDs and personal records.
Authorities searched the veteran’s home as part of the investigation. It was ruled out that the explosion was related to an attack aimed at the president-elect Donald Trump or with some political ideology. The FBI stressed that there were no indications of prior threats or connections to extremist groups.
The fact that the incident occurred in front of a hotel associated with Trump and that the vehicle was a Tesla, owned by Elon Muskgenerated speculation. Musk, close to Trump, invested 250 million dollars in his presidential campaign and was appointed to lead efforts to reduce government spending. Neither Trump nor Musk were in Las Vegas during the incident, as they attended a New Year’s party in Florida.
Authorities said Livelsberger was going through a personal crisis. A recent argument with his wife may have contributed to his decision, an official said on condition of anonymity.
Hours before the explosion in Las Vegas, a man identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar42, charged into a crowd in the New Orleans French Quarterleaving more than 10 dead before being shot down. The FBI ruled out any link between the two incidents. The special agent Spencer Evans noted that although both cases involved rented vehicles, no connections were found.
Livelsberger’s case has reignited debate about the support veterans receive upon returning from service. Authorities continue to investigate the details of the incident, as the Las Vegas community reflects on the implications of the tragic event.
