The driver of a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day has been identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Livelsberger, an operations master sergeant in the Army’s Special Forces, was on leave from his deployment in Germany with the 10th Special Forces Group at the time of the incident.
Military Background and Investigation
Matthew Livelsberger, a senior enlisted soldier specializing in unconventional warfare and guerrilla tactics, was known for his distinguished service. Officials revealed that Livelsberger was a highly decorated combat veteran with expertise in explosives, yet the apparent simplicity of the attack has raised questions among those who knew him. His family described him as a patriotic individual with deep respect for former President Donald Trump, although he was not affiliated with any political party.
Law enforcement and federal agencies are still investigating the incident, including the motive behind the explosion. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that Livelsberger shot himself before detonating a combination of fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel in the Cybertruck’s bed. Though the body found inside the vehicle was severely burned, tattoos on the stomach and arm matched those identified by Matthew Livelsberger’s wife.
Explosion Details and Impact
The rented Tesla Cybertruck had been tracked across several states before entering Las Vegas in the early hours of January 1. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle stopping at Tesla charging stations in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. It ultimately arrived at the Trump Hotel, where the explosion occurred.
Security footage captured the blast, which caused extensive damage to the valet area of the hotel. Guests reported that the explosion shook windows as high as 40 floors up, filled stairwells with smoke, and temporarily disabled elevator services. Visible damage included a large hole in the hotel’s gold awning and smoke-stained ceilings.
Officials are examining the vehicle’s onboard cameras, which may have recorded the incident, and have recovered scorched gasoline containers and firework mortars from the wreckage. The FBI and other agencies are also conducting searches in Colorado Springs related to the incident.
No Known Links to Terrorism
Authorities have not found any connections between Matthew Livelsberger and terrorist organizations. FBI agents emphasized that the Las Vegas explosion appears to be an isolated incident, though similarities with a vehicle attack in New Orleans earlier that day are being investigated. Both events involved military backgrounds, symbolic targets, and rented vehicles, but officials have not identified a definitive link.
The Role of the Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck’s robust design helped minimize the damage. Sheriff McMahill explained that the vehicle’s construction directed the blast upward, sparing the hotel’s front glass doors. The incident could have been much worse without this feature. Tesla provided authorities with data from its charging stations to assist in the investigation.
Livelsberger’s Legacy
Matthew Livelsberger’s colleagues expressed shock at his involvement in the explosion. He was remembered as a dedicated soldier with a background in advanced military operations, including counterterrorism missions in Afghanistan. Friends noted his recent transition to fatherhood and questioned whether his experiences or personal struggles contributed to the incident.
The investigation continues, with officials analyzing electronic devices and other evidence to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion. Meanwhile, the community mourns the tragic turn of events surrounding a soldier who once dedicated his life to service and security.
