Green Beret Dies in Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas
Authorities have identified Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret, as the individual who died in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The incident caused minor injuries to seven people but resulted in no significant damage to the hotel, as the steel construction of the vehicle absorbed most of the blast.
According to Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill, Livelsberger shot himself in the head moments before the explosion. Investigators believe he may have intended a more significant attack, but the force of the crude explosive was contained within the vehicle, venting upwards.
The investigation has yet to determine a motive, though authorities are exploring possible personal and psychological factors. Reports indicate Livelsberger had argued with his wife about relationship issues before renting the Tesla and purchasing firearms legally. Items recovered from the vehicle included fireworks, fuel canisters, firearms, a passport, and military ID.
Livelsberger, an Army Green Beret with extensive overseas assignments, had served since 2006. His distinguished career included two deployments to Afghanistan and postings in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo. He was awarded five Bronze Stars and other honors for valor.
The Cybertruck was traced through charging station records, revealing Livelsberger’s travel route from Colorado to Las Vegas. Surveillance footage confirmed he was alone in the vehicle. Officials emphasized that no external threats or other individuals were involved in the incident.
The FBI stated that no evidence links this explosion to another recent tragedy in New Orleans, where Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar drove into a crowd, killing 15 people in a suspected terrorist attack.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk clarified that the explosion was unrelated to the vehicle itself, attributing it to fireworks and explosives carried in the truck. Neither Musk nor former President Donald Trump, who have close ties, were in Las Vegas at the time.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, focusing on Livelsberger’s background and motivations.
