A tragic incident unfolded outside the Trump International Las Vegas Hotel on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded, killing the driver and leaving seven bystanders with minor injuries. Officials identified the driver as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Authorities revealed that Livelsberger, an active-duty Green Beret on leave from his deployment in Germany, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head before the explosion. He was recognized for his military service, earning multiple Bronze Star medals, including one for valor in combat.
The vehicle was rented through Turo in Denver on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Livelsberger traveled through Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, with his movements tracked via Tesla charging stations. The Cybertruck initially arrived at the Trump Hotel valet area at 7:30 a.m. but left shortly after. It returned at 8:39 a.m., and 17 seconds later, the explosion occurred.
The explosion was caused by a combination of fireworks mortars, gasoline cans, and camping fuel stored in the truck. Investigators are still working to determine how the materials were ignited, though the vehicle’s condition has slowed the process.
Police confirmed that Livelsberger legally purchased the firearms found in the vehicle days before the incident. He had informed the person he rented the truck from that he planned to go camping at the Grand Canyon.
Livelsberger’s wife told investigators that he had left their home after a dispute around Christmas but did not believe he intended to harm anyone. Officials found evidence connecting him to the truck, including credit cards, tattoos, and identification documents.
The explosion appears to be an isolated event, with no evidence linking it to a separate New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, where 14 people died. Investigators noted that both trucks were rented through the same platform, but no direct connection between the suspects has been found.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk assisted in the investigation by unlocking the truck and providing video footage from charging stations along Livelsberger’s route. Sheriff Kevin McMahill assured the public that there is no ongoing threat and no indication that anyone else was involved in the Las Vegas incident.
The Trump International Hotel has been the target of frequent threats due to its association with former President Donald Trump, leading to heightened security measures.
