Law enforcement sources have confirmed that the individual behind the Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as Matt Livelsberger, 37, of Colorado Springs. The incident, which occurred on New Year’s Day, left Livelsberger dead and seven others injured.
Active-Duty Green Beret
Livelsberger was an active-duty operations sergeant with the U.S. Army’s Green Berets, serving with the 10th Special Forces Group (SFG) in Germany. He was reportedly on leave at the time of the incident, according to multiple U.S. officials.
The explosive blast, which authorities believe was intentional, killed Livelsberger instantly. The rented Tesla Cybertruck he used was reportedly carrying an improvised explosive device (IED). The FBI and local law enforcement are investigating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
Connection to New Orleans Attack?
Authorities are also examining a possible connection between Livelsberger and the New Orleans attacker, Shamsud Din Jabbar, who killed 15 people in a truck rampage on New Year’s Day. Both individuals previously served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and both rented electric vehicles through the car-sharing platform Turo. However, investigators have not confirmed any direct link between the two incidents.
Ongoing Investigation
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and federal agencies, including the FBI, are continuing to investigate Livelsberger’s background, motives, and any affiliations. Officials are also analyzing evidence to determine whether the explosion in Las Vegas was coordinated with other attacks or acted upon independently.
Public and Political Reactions
The Trump Organization has acknowledged the incident, praising first responders for their quick actions. President-elect Donald Trump has called the explosion a “heinous act,” while President Joe Biden has urged caution, stating, “No one should jump to conclusions until the investigation is complete.”
This developing story has raised concerns about the potential radicalization of active-duty military personnel and the security risks posed by IEDs in urban areas. Authorities are expected to release further updates as investigations progress.
