Green Beret’s Tesla Explosion at Trump Hotel Labeled a Tragic Suicide, Not Terrorism

TDT | Manama
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The explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day has been confirmed as a tragic suicide by a decorated Army Green Beret, not an act of terrorism. Authorities revealed that 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a Special Forces soldier from Colorado Springs, Colorado, orchestrated the event as a public statement about societal and political issues in the United States.

The Incident

Livelsberger drove a rented Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks and crude explosives to the hotel, where the explosion caused minor injuries to seven bystanders but minimal structural damage. The Cybertruck’s steel construction is credited with containing much of the blast.

“This was not a terrorist attack but a deeply tragic case of suicide involving a combat veteran grappling with PTSD and personal struggles,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans said during a press conference.

A Note of Intent

Investigators discovered a note left by Livelsberger, describing his actions as a “wake-up call” for Americans to address pressing social and political issues. “Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives?” he wrote. He clarified that his actions were not politically motivated or directed against President-elect Donald Trump or his supporters.

A Life of Service and Struggle

Livelsberger served in the U.S. Army since 2006, earning five Bronze Stars, including one for valor, and an Army Commendation Medal for valor. His deployments included Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo. Despite his decorated career, he struggled with PTSD and survivor’s guilt.

“He wrote about needing to cleanse his mind of the lives lost—both those he knew and the burden of the lives he took,” said Evans.

Livelsberger had recently returned from an overseas assignment in Germany and was on approved leave at the time of the incident. Investigators are also looking into reports of a recent marital dispute that may have affected his mental state.

Sequence of Events

Livelsberger rented the Tesla Cybertruck and legally purchased two firearms shortly before the explosion. Authorities believe he shot himself inside the vehicle moments before the blast. Among the remains in the truck were fireworks, firearms, his passport, military ID, and personal electronics.

Addressing Misconceptions

The choice of location and the use of a Tesla Cybertruck initially raised questions about political motives. However, investigators found no evidence linking Livelsberger’s actions to any specific ideology.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a vocal supporter of President-elect Trump, was not in Las Vegas at the time. Both Musk and Trump had attended a New Year’s Eve party in Florida but were not connected to the incident.

Raising Awareness

The incident has reignited discussions about mental health challenges faced by combat veterans. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed that Livelsberger’s medical records were turned over to law enforcement but declined to comment on his specific mental health history.

“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for better mental health resources for our veterans,” Evans said. Authorities and advocacy groups hope the incident serves as a call to action to support those who have served the nation.