Las Vegas Police Provide Update on New Year’s Day Cybertruck Explosion
Las Vegas authorities shared updates regarding the New Year’s Day Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump hotel that resulted in the death of the driver and injuries to several bystanders.
The driver, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier from Colorado Springs, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to the Clark County Coroner, identifying Livelsberger was challenging due to severe burns to his body. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that all injured individuals have since been discharged from the hospital.
Authorities are investigating Livelsberger’s possible motives, citing entries from a diary-type journal found on one of his phones. In the notes, Livelsberger expressed dissatisfaction with government and military leadership, advocating drastic measures for political change. The journal entries, which dated from Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025, also detailed his travel route, firearms purchases, and camping equipment.
Police discovered a second phone and a laptop inside the Cybertruck, rented by Livelsberger via Turo in Denver on Dec. 28, 2024. A forensic investigation of the vehicle revealed military IDs, a passport, and firearms. Tracking data from Tesla charging stations confirmed his travel through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. Authorities are still determining why Las Vegas and the Trump hotel were selected, though evidence suggests Livelsberger considered other locations, including the Grand Canyon.
The FBI confirmed Livelsberger legally purchased two firearms on Dec. 27, 2024, in Colorado, retrieving them three days later. Tesla’s SDMI chip data showed the Cybertruck was not in self-driving mode during his use.
Livelsberger had no criminal record but reportedly experienced PTSD, personal grievances, and family issues, factors that may have influenced his actions. Authorities described his planning as deliberate.
The incident occurred just hours after another unrelated attack in New Orleans, where a driver intentionally drove into a crowd. Investigations found no communication or connections between the two individuals.
The FBI classified the Las Vegas event as a tragic case of suicide. Investigations continue into Livelsberger’s motivations and preparations.
