The investigation continues following the harrowing incident on January 1, 2025, when Matthew Livelsberger drove a Tesla Cybertruck packed with explosives to the entrance of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in his death and injuries to seven others. The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 AM, just hours after another attack took place in New Orleans, casting shadows of potential connections between the two acts of violence.
Livelsberger, 37, was identified by local law enforcement as the sole fatality of the blast, which occurred shortly after he arrived at the hotel. Authorities described the explosion as being triggered by "a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck" or "very large fireworks," according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The vehicle had recently been rented through Turo, similar to the truck used by another suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, who drove through revelers and caused multiple fatalities on the same day.
Matthew Livelsberger, originally from Colorado Springs, was not just any driver; he was active duty with the U.S. Army's Special Forces. Reports indicate he had previously received the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award for his operational contributions involving inter-agency cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan. His tenure with the Army included nearly 19 years of service, much of it spent within Special Forces units, climbing the ranks from communications specialist to operations manager.
Despite his military accolades, Livelsberger's abrupt and violent act has left many puzzled, particularly as his wife, Sara Livelsberger, reportedly had not heard from him for days leading up to the attack. Sara's social media presence before the incident has attracted attention, showcasing her staunchly anti-Trump sentiments. Posts from her old Facebook account reveal strong opinions against the former president, including one statement where she claimed to follow Trump on Twitter "just to get my morning motivation to kill someone." These remarks have sparked discussions about whether there might have been any political motivations behind her husband's actions.
More concerning is the coincidence of two terrorists with military backgrounds committing acts of violence on the same day, both renting their vehicles from Turo. Livelsberger and Jabbar had both served at Fort Bragg, raising questions about potential connections between the two men. Though officials have stated there is no confirmed relationship between them, the timing and execution of the attacks are being examined under the possibility of coordinated efforts.
The Las Vegas bombing raised serious questions about security, particularly outside one of the most recognizable hotels affiliated with the political elite. Sheriff Kevin McMahill has commented on the significance of the attack, noting the presence of Musk's Tesla and the Trump property as variables contributing to the gravity of the situation. The explosion is believed to have been highly destructive, but, as Musk revealed, the sturdiness of the Cybertruck helped contain the blast. Without this containment, nearby structures and bystanders could have suffered even greater consequences.
Eyewitness accounts correspond with the facts released by law enforcement, confirming Livelsberger’s arrival at the hotel moments before the explosion. Surveillance footage captured the moment of impact, with the truck appearing parked normally before it burst suddenly, resulting in debris scattering and fireworks-like effects from the explosives stored inside. Investigators noted the presence of camp fuel, gas tanks, and mortars mixed with explosives, indicating the attack was deliberately planned, with potential controls for detonation originating from the driver's position.
The FBI has entered the fray, collaborating with local law enforcement to analyze Livelsberger’s ties and background. They conducted searches at various properties associated with him, among them townhouses linked to his various addresses throughout Colorado. Notably, law enforcement's inquiries have included the examination of his past military service and any radicalization factors contributing to his actions.
Response and condolence messages have flared up on social media, with both praise for law enforcement's quick action and condemnation of the attack itself. Individuals and families directly impacted by explosions have voiced their grief during this tumultuous time. Meanwhile, the investigation continues to gather pace, with calls for wider scrutiny of rental vehicle regulations ensuring potential threats do not manifest again so easily. President-elect Trump,, weighed in, defending the measures to address security failures, demanding accountability from those responsible for domestic safety.
For many, the explosive events of New Year's Day remain painfully vivid as investigations unfurl to untangle the motives and affiliations behind these violent actions. Local and federal law enforcement remain vigilant, ensuring the safety of the public as they work to discern the precise details surrounding this tragic explosion.