Las Vegas authorities investigating the Tesla Cybertruck detonation outside the Trump Hotel have identified the vehicle’s driver as an active-duty US special operations soldier. The incident left several injured and raised significant concerns.
Identified Individual and Background
Law enforcement has pinpointed Matthew Alan Livelsberger, 37, as the individual who leased the Tesla Cybertruck and traversed from Colorado to Las Vegas in the electric vehicle. Authorities are reasonably certain Livelsberger perished in the blast but await definitive DNA confirmation.
State of the Remains
The visiting sheriff, Kevin McMahill, disclosed that the remains within the Cybertruck were burned beyond acknowledgment. The body was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Incident Details
The explosion occurred on New Year’s Day, injuring seven civilians. The Cybertruck, packed with fuel containers and pyrotechnic mortars, was stationed near the hotel’s glass entrance. Authorities report that all injured individuals sustained minor wounds.
Sequence of Events
- The electric vehicle arrived in Las Vegas in the early hours of the day of the explosion.
- The Cybertruck began emitting smoke before the subsequent eruption.
- Rescue forces were dispatched promptly following the blast.
Investigation Progress
The authorities have not yet established a definitive motive for the incident. Sheriff McMahill characterized the event as a “suicide bombing” during a Thursday press conference.
Evidence Collected
- Military ID and passport
- Two semi-automatic handguns
- Pyrotechnic materials
- iPhone and smartwatch
- Various credit cards bearing Livelsberger’s name
Law enforcement discovered two tattoos on the deceased matching Livelsberger’s known tattoos.
Journey and Venue
Livelsberger, originally from Colorado Springs, leased the Cybertruck on 28 December in Denver. Authorities tracked his journey using multiple photographs taken along the route from Colorado to Nevada, confirming he was the sole driver.
Potential Connections
Officials are exploring possible links between Livelsberger and an earlier truck incident in New Orleans that occurred on the same day. However, there is no concrete evidence to substantiate a connection.
Both assailants served at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and were deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, but there is no record of overlapping units or concurrent service.
Both perpetrators utilized the rental service Turo for the vehicles involved in their respective incidents. However, law enforcement does not believe there is any imminent threat from Livelsberger or his associates in Las Vegas.
Military Career
Livelsberger had extensive military experience, serving in both the Army and the National Guard. He held the rank of decorated Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant. He was stationed in Germany at the time of the incident but was on approved leave.
Personal Circumstances
Livelsberger’s father revealed that his son was visiting Colorado to see his spouse and eight-month-old child. The last conversation between father and son occurred at Christmas, with no apparent signs of distress.