Matthew Livelsberger, the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Las Vegas Hotel on New Year’s Day, had personal and political views revealed in two letters found on his phone, according to police. The 37-year-old active-duty Army soldier described the incident as a “wake-up call,” saying it was not intended to be a terrorist attack but a way to draw attention to his grievances with the country’s leadership. In the letters, Livelsberger criticized the U.S. government, calling it weak and corrupt, and expressed support for figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He also voiced concerns about homelessness, income inequality, and diversity policies.
Livelsberger tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the explosion. Police confirmed that he acted alone, and although the incident was a shocking and public one, it appears to be a case of suicide involving a decorated combat veteran suffering from PTSD. Livelsberger had been receiving mental health support for some time and was on approved leave from his Army duties in Germany.
The explosion injured seven bystanders, but no one was seriously hurt. Police found two firearms, including one rifle and one handgun, in the destroyed vehicle, along with Livelsberger’s identification. He had rented the Cybertruck through the Turo app just days before the explosion and drove it from Denver to Las Vegas.
Livelsberger, a Green Beret, had a decorated military career, earning several prestigious medals, including the Bronze Star and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Investigators believe he had been dealing with personal struggles, including a dispute with his wife over infidelity, and had been staying away from home since Christmas.
Authorities are still working to determine how the items in the truck were detonated. Tesla CEO Elon Musk assisted by unlocking the vehicle after it auto-locked in the explosion and providing investigators with video footage of Livelsberger’s journey.
While the attack has drawn attention, police believe it was an isolated incident and there is no further threat to the community. Investigations continue to piece together the details of what led to the explosion and the motivations behind it.
