On New Year’s Day, two alarming incidents involving military personnel drew attention to the growing trend of extremist violence linked to individuals with military backgrounds. The first incident occurred in New Orleans, where Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, was involved in a deadly attack using a pickup truck, killing at least 14 people and injuring many more. The second incident, just hours later, involved Matthew Livelsberger, a Green Beret, who died in the explosion of his Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in minor injuries to seven bystanders.
According to the Associated Press, Jabbar's violent actions are being investigated as acts of terrorism, reportedly motivated by extremist ideologies. He drove onto the sidewalk on Bourbon Street before crashing his vehicle, which was rented through the peer-to-peer service Turo, and he allegedly posted videos expressing his support for the Islamic State group days before the attack.
Meanwhile, Livelsberger's incident is being characterized differently by authorities. Despite the tragic outcome, they assert it was not classified as terrorism. The 37-year-old Green Beret left behind notes stating his intent was to serve as a 'wake-up call' about the direction America is headed under current leadership. This explosion was said to involve fireworks and gas canisters, which Livelsberger described as necessary to get the public's attention.
Livelsberger, who had significant military accolades—including multiple Bronze Stars—struggled with PTSD and other personal issues, according to law enforcement. The investigation revealed he had no prior criminal history and was not on the FBI’s radar. The Las Vegas police have emphasized the tragic nature of his actions, describing them as suicide rather than terrorism.
Both perpetrators had military ties, raising eyebrows at how individuals with such backgrounds could turn to violence. The incidents have prompted intense discussions about the radicalization of service members and veterans. An AP investigation from the previous year found growing radicalization among both active-duty military and veterans, with many individuals arrested for extremist crimes since 2017.
According to data compiled by START—an organization focused on studying terrorism—about 3.2% of extremist cases from 2017 to 2022 involved active military personnel, even though they represent less than 1% of the general adult population. Interestingly, the majority of those with military connections involved in extremist activities have aligned with far-right ideologies, with less than 10% subscribing to jihadist beliefs like Jabbar.
The events of New Year's Day have heightened security concerns as officials scramble to assess potential threats during weeks filled with major public events, such as the upcoming Super Bowl and the presidential inauguration. Local law enforcement reported increased vigilance, particularly after the tragic New Orleans attack.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren remarked on Livelsberger’s intention by stating, 'This was not a terrorist attack. It was effectively a tragedy linked to personal grief and struggles.' His choice of the Tesla, packed with explosives, was seen as his way to communicate frustrations about the state of the country.
Adding to the connection scrutiny, both Jabbar and Livelsberger were reportedly stationed at Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty, but authorities have found no direct links between the two men beyond their military history. The FBI has confirmed they found no evidence linking the two incidents as planned events. The similarities between the incidents are largely coincidental and underline the pressing issue of mental health and radicalization within military ranks.
Turo, the car rental service involved, has drawn criticism over how its platform was used for these violent acts. The company’s CEO, Andre Haddad, expressed outrage over the misuse of their service and assured they are cooperating with investigations to prevent future incidents.
Livelsberger's notes disclosed before his death shed light on his motivations, stating: 'We are the United States of America, the best country people to ever exist! But right now we are terminally ill and headed toward collapse.' His remarks underscored the conviction and despair he felt about the societal and political situation, which he believed warranted such drastic measures.
The tragic outcomes of both incidents reveal worrying trends about the potential for violence among those with military backgrounds. Authorities are urged to address not just the symptoms but the root causes of radicalization and mental health issues within such populations. Kristofer Goldsmith, CEO of Task Force Butler Institute, emphasized the need to identify and support veterans struggling with these issues before they lead to violence.
With the lens on domestic violence and the roles various ideological motivations may play, these attacks serve as serious reminders of how personal struggles and radical beliefs can intertwine, proving detrimental to public safety.