Police positively identify driver of exploded Tesla Cybertruck as US Army soldier. Matthew Livelsberger, 37, an Army soldier from Colorado Springs
Authorities have identified the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas as Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier stationed in Germany. Livelsberger, who was on authorized leave at the time, had rented the Cybertruck in Colorado and transported it to Las Vegas shortly before the incident on January 1, 2025
The explosion occurred just moments after Livelsberger parked the vehicle in front of the hotel. Investigators found gasoline canisters, camping fuel, and large firework mortars in the truck’s bed, which contributed to the blast.
Livelsberger was discovered deceased inside the vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head, which authorities believe was self-inflicted prior to the explosion. This has led law enforcement to classify the incident as a suicide.
Livelsberger was a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army Special Operations and had been serving since 2012. He was known for his dedication and had recently expressed excitement about a new assignment involving drones. His family reported that he seemed normal during their last communication on Christmas Day, raising questions about what led to this tragic event.
The FBI is investigating potential links between this incident and other recent attacks, including a vehicle assault in New Orleans on the same day. However, there are currently no established connections to terrorism. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand Livelsberger’s motives and gather more information regarding his actions leading up to the explosion
