Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated US Army soldier, tragically died in the Tesla Cybertruck blast, which has been ruled a case of suicide stemming from his personal struggles, including PTSD.
Army Veteran's Las Vegas Cybertruck Blast Linked to PTSD, Not Terrorism
Army Veteran's Las Vegas Cybertruck Blast Linked to PTSD, Not Terrorism
Authorities confirm the explosion involved an army member grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, dismissing any political motivations.
The Las Vegas explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel is being investigated as a "tragic case of suicide," with authorities indicating that the deceased driver, Matthew Livelsberger, had significant mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the FBI, there is no evidence of any political motive or connection to other violent events, including a separate attack in New Orleans that resulted in 14 fatalities.
Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty soldier from Colorado, was found deceased inside the charred vehicle after it exploded due to fireworks he had reportedly purchased en route to Las Vegas. Federal investigators highlighted that the soldier previously served in combat, which may have contributed to his mental health decline. "Insights from the Army indicate that he likely suffered from PTSD, as well as personal issues," stated FBI agent Spencer Evans during a press conference.
Data recovered from Livelsberger’s phone revealed a series of distressing notes, hinting at his struggles. Federal authorities confirmed that he had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the explosion. In his writings, Livelsberger expressed feelings of intense guilt and frustration towards military leadership, pointing out that the incident was "not a terrorist attack" but rather a "wake-up call."
Known as a dedicated Special Forces intelligence sergeant serving in Germany, Livelsberger was on approved leave to visit his family in Colorado, where he intended to see his wife and infant daughter. His father mentioned that the last contact was during Christmas, describing it as normal. Further, an ex-girlfriend revealed that he battled memory and concentration issues possibly linked to a traumatic brain injury from his service.
Despite earlier reports of his political affiliations, including support for then-candidate Donald Trump, investigators stress that his actions were not politically motivated. Surveillance data indicated Livelsberger had driven over 800 miles to Las Vegas in the rented vehicle, and he legally purchased two firearms prior to the incident. The blast caused minor injuries to seven individuals in the vicinity, all of whom have since been treated and released.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that authorities have yet to determine why Livelsberger chose to trigger the explosion outside the Trump Hotel and that the investigation is still collecting data from various devices and remains ongoing. For those affected by mental health issues, resources like the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) are available to provide support.
Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty soldier from Colorado, was found deceased inside the charred vehicle after it exploded due to fireworks he had reportedly purchased en route to Las Vegas. Federal investigators highlighted that the soldier previously served in combat, which may have contributed to his mental health decline. "Insights from the Army indicate that he likely suffered from PTSD, as well as personal issues," stated FBI agent Spencer Evans during a press conference.
Data recovered from Livelsberger’s phone revealed a series of distressing notes, hinting at his struggles. Federal authorities confirmed that he had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the explosion. In his writings, Livelsberger expressed feelings of intense guilt and frustration towards military leadership, pointing out that the incident was "not a terrorist attack" but rather a "wake-up call."
Known as a dedicated Special Forces intelligence sergeant serving in Germany, Livelsberger was on approved leave to visit his family in Colorado, where he intended to see his wife and infant daughter. His father mentioned that the last contact was during Christmas, describing it as normal. Further, an ex-girlfriend revealed that he battled memory and concentration issues possibly linked to a traumatic brain injury from his service.
Despite earlier reports of his political affiliations, including support for then-candidate Donald Trump, investigators stress that his actions were not politically motivated. Surveillance data indicated Livelsberger had driven over 800 miles to Las Vegas in the rented vehicle, and he legally purchased two firearms prior to the incident. The blast caused minor injuries to seven individuals in the vicinity, all of whom have since been treated and released.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that authorities have yet to determine why Livelsberger chose to trigger the explosion outside the Trump Hotel and that the investigation is still collecting data from various devices and remains ongoing. For those affected by mental health issues, resources like the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) are available to provide support.
