Matthew Livelsberger Shot Himself Before Blowing Up His Cybertruck Outside Trump Tower

Matthew Livelsberger Shot Himself Before Blowing Up His Cybertruck Outside Trump Tower

Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier, was identified as the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded. He was a member of the elite Green Berets specializing in special operations.

On New Year's Day, January 1, 2025, Livelsberger drove a rented Tesla Cybertruck to the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas where it subsequently exploded. He died in the explosion, which occurred around 8:40 a.m. PST.

Livelsberger shot himself in the head with a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the vehicle exploded. This was confirmed by law enforcement officials.

The truck was packed with fireworks, firework mortars, gas canisters, and camping fuel, which were believed to have been used to cause the explosion.

The explosion is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism. Although specific motives have not been officially confirmed, there's speculation about political motivations due to the vehicle being a Cybertruck and the location being Trump's hotel. However, no definitive motive has been established yet.

Seven other people were injured in the incident, but all injuries were reported as minor.

The Cybertruck was rented through the carsharing company Turo in Colorado, and Livelsberger drove it from there to Las Vegas.

The FBI, along with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, is conducting investigations into the incident, including searches in Colorado Springs where Livelsberger had multiple addresses associated with him. They are also looking into possible connections with another incident in New Orleans, though no definitive link has been established.

Livelsberger had a long military career with deployments to various countries including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and the Republic of Congo. He was awarded multiple Bronze Star medals and was on approved leave at the time of the incident.