Las Vegas: Law enforcement has identified the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas as Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier from Colorado Springs. The explosion on Wednesday left the driver dead and seven bystanders with minor injuries.
Investigation and Suspected Motive
Authorities believe Livelsberger acted alone. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated that he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head moments before the explosives in the vehicle were detonated. A handgun was found at his feet, and a second semi-automatic handgun, both legally purchased days earlier, was also recovered from the vehicle.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that the driver’s body was severely burned, with identification pending DNA and medical record confirmation. Military identification, a passport, credit cards, and an iPhone were among the items found in the truck.
Army Service and Background
Livelsberger served with the Army Special Operations Command and was on approved leave at the time of his death. An Army spokesperson confirmed he had received numerous commendations, including a Bronze Star for valor, an Army Commendation Medal for valor, and a Combat Infantryman Badge. He had completed five combat deployments to Afghanistan.
Local authorities in Colorado Springs conducted searches linked to Livelsberger’s residence. The FBI’s Denver office confirmed these were connected to the Las Vegas incident.
Explosion and Aftermath
Videos captured by witnesses showed the Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside the hotel at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday. The explosion led to the evacuation of the Trump hotel, with guests relocated to nearby accommodations.
Police found gasoline canisters and large firework mortars in the truck’s bed. FBI Special Agent Schwartz stated it was unclear if the explosion was an act of terrorism.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk clarified via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the explosion was unrelated to the vehicle itself, attributing it to fireworks or a bomb carried in the truck’s bed.
Links to Other Incidents
Authorities stated they found no definitive connection between the Cybertruck explosion and the New Year’s Day New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 people. Both vehicles were rented through the car-sharing platform Turo. A spokesperson for Turo stated the renters did not have criminal records that flagged them as potential security risks.
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Context and Comments
The explosion occurred in front of a Trump Organization property. Sheriff McMahill acknowledged the location and vehicle type might raise questions but emphasized that there was no evidence pointing to specific ideological motives at this stage.
President-elect Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump, praised first responders for their swift actions. A spokesperson for Trump and Tesla did not respond to requests for further comment.
