LAS VEGAS, NV. (THECOUNT) — In a shocking incident at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks and fuel canisters led to one death and seven injuries. The man believed to have perished in the blast has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier, according to three U.S. officials speaking to The Associated Press.
The explosion occurred at the hotel’s entrance shortly after Wednesday morning, with video evidence capturing the moment the truck, parked near the front doors, erupted into flames. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the truck contained gas canisters, camping fuel, and firework mortars. However, no ignition devices were found, leaving investigators puzzled about how the explosion was triggered.
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Everyone take a close look at the Ukraine shirt Matthew Livelsberger is wearing in this picture.
And now, new photo surfaces from LinkedIn that he inquired about “a job” in Ukraine as well.
Does this have anything to do with the Las Vegas attack? pic.twitter.com/VYCjgBKmit
— Bo (@dittletv) January 2, 2025
Matthew Livelsberger was stationed at Fort Bragg, the same military installation where Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in a recent deadly vehicular attack in New Orleans, once served. Despite this connection, there was no overlap in their service times at the base, officials clarified.
The Cybertruck was rented from Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing company, in Colorado Springs. In response to the incident, Turo issued a statement expressing sorrow and cooperation with law enforcement. “We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families. We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents,” the statement read, emphasizing that neither individual involved had a known criminal background.
NEW: The Army Veteran who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger.
Livelsberger served 19 years in the Army, 18 of them were spent with Special Forces as an Intelligence and… pic.twitter.com/bFcUz2qiqs
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 2, 2025
The FBI’s Denver office has been involved in the aftermath, confirming law enforcement activities at a Colorado Springs address linked to the Las Vegas explosion. However, details about the residence or its relation to Livelsberger remain under wraps due to the ongoing investigation.
FBI Acting Special Agent-In-Charge Jeremy Schwartz stated that the car explosion was an isolated incident, assuring the public there was no continuing threat. The agency has not released further details, focusing on piecing together the events leading up to this tragic occurrence.
NEW: The Army Veteran who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger.
Livelsberger served 19 years in the Army, 18 of them were spent with Special Forces as an Intelligence and… pic.twitter.com/bFcUz2qiqs
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 2, 2025
As the investigation continues, questions linger about the motivation behind the act and the methods used to execute this deadly explosion. The community and nation wait for answers in what has quickly escalated into a high-profile incident involving national security and personal safety concerns.
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