Authorities have confirmed that the man who died in the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day suffered a gunshot wound before the vehicle burst into flames. Officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.
The deceased is believed to be Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty Green Beret operations sergeant stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group. Livelsberger was on approved leave at the time of the incident. His identity is yet to be officially confirmed through DNA, but military identification and personal items found in the vehicle strongly suggest it was him.
Details of the Incident
The Tesla Cybertruck exploded in the hotel’s valet area, injuring seven people with minor injuries. Authorities recovered fireworks mortars, gas canisters, and other explosive devices in the truck’s bed. The exact cause of the explosion is under investigation, with law enforcement treating it as a potential terror attack.
A firearm was discovered at Livelsberger’s feet, and officials believe he shot himself before the explosion. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle arriving in Las Vegas at 7:30 a.m. on January 1, driving along the Las Vegas Strip before stopping at the Trump International Hotel.
FBI Investigates Possible Links
The incident occurred hours after another attack in New Orleans, where Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drove a rented truck into a crowd, killing 14 people before being shot by police. Both men had military ties, previously serving at Fort Bragg, and rented their vehicles through the Turo app. The FBI has stated that no definitive link between the two incidents has been established at this time.
“We are exploring all potential connections between these two individuals and their actions,” said Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s counter-terrorism division. “We have not found any overlapping assignments at Fort Bragg or shared networks so far.”
Tesla and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Tesla’s video surveillance from charging stations helped track the truck’s journey across the country. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, has been praised for his cooperation in the investigation.
Musk stated on X: “The explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.”
Trump Organization Response
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, acknowledged the incident on social media, commending local law enforcement and first responders for their swift action. The 64-story Trump International Hotel is a prominent landmark just off the Las Vegas Strip.
Investigation Ongoing
The FBI has executed search warrants at Livelsberger’s home in Colorado Springs and continues to analyze evidence from the scene. Investigators have not ruled out further connections or motives.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact local law enforcement or the FBI.
