Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty US special forces soldier, has been identified as the individual who rented a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas. Las Vegas police confirmed that they believe he is the same person found dead in the vehicle following the blast, although they are currently awaiting DNA results for confirmation.
The explosion, which occurred as Livelsberger drove the vehicle from Colorado to Las Vegas, resulted in seven injuries, all of which were reported as minor. Authorities noted that the Cybertruck was laden with fuel canisters and firework mortars, leading to the lethal explosion. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill indicated that the burnt body found inside the vehicle had a gunshot wound to the head, which is suspected to be self-inflicted.
Livelsberger had rented the Cybertruck on December 28, 2022, in Denver, Colorado. He boasted an extensive military history, serving in both the Army and the National Guard, and had been an active-duty soldier since December 2012. At the time of his tragic incident, it was reported that he was on authorized leave.
His father spoke with the BBC's news partner CBS, mentioning that Livelsberger was stationed in Germany and had returned to Colorado to visit family, including his wife and their eight-month-old daughter. The last conversation he had with his father was during Christmas, and everything appeared to be normal at that time. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the incident, but Sheriff McMahill expressed confidence in characterizing it as a suicide followed by an explosion. This story is still developing, with updates anticipated as more information becomes available.
