Las Vegas officials have confirmed that the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck, which exploded outside a prominent hotel, was an active-duty US special forces soldier. Reports indicate that the soldier took his own life prior to the explosion.
The individual, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Alan Livelsberger, rented the vehicle and drove it from Colorado to Las Vegas. Authorities are currently awaiting DNA confirmation to officially identify the remains found in the vehicle.
The remains were severely burnt and exhibited a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as stated by Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill during a press briefing.
The explosion, which occurred on New Year’s Day, injured seven individuals, all of whom suffered minor injuries. The vehicle was reported to be loaded with fuel canisters and firework mortars at the time of the explosion.
The Cybertruck was parked in front of the hotel shortly before the blast, starting to smoke just minutes before it detonated. Interestingly, authorities noted that the design of the vehicle helped contain the blast, preventing extensive damage to nearby structures.
While investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the explosion, a motive remains undisclosed.
“It appears to be a suicide followed by a bombing,” Sheriff McMahill stated, shedding light on the tragic incident.
Authorities discovered various personal items belonging to Livelsberger in the burnt vehicle, including military identification, a passport, and firearms. Tattoos on the remains matched those of Livelsberger, further supporting the identification.
Originally from Colorado Springs, Livelsberger had secured the Cybertruck rental on December 28. He was monitored through photographs taken during his drive from Denver to Las Vegas, revealing he was the sole individual operating the vehicle.
While there are similarities noted between this incident and a truck attack in New Orleans on the same day, no definitive links have been established between the two cases.
Both suspects served at the same military base, and there are some shared elements related to their prior military service, yet no direct connections have been determined.
Authorities assert there is no ongoing threat related to this incident in Las Vegas.
Matthew Livelsberger had an extensive military career, having served in both the Army and the National Guard, and was a decorated Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant. At the time of the incident, he was on approved leave from service in Germany.
Family members have reported that Livelsberger traveled to Colorado to visit his wife and eight-month-old child. His father noted that their last conversation, which took place at Christmas, suggested nothing was amiss.
