Cybertruck Driver, an Arizona-Born Green Beret, Sparks Explosion at Trump Hotel in Vegas

In a tragic incident that unfolded on January 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Authorities have identified the driver as Master Sergeant Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret originally from Arizona. His movements prior to the explosion included a journey through several states, ultimately leading him to Las Vegas.

During a press briefing by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Sheriff Kevin McMahill provided key updates on the investigation. While the identity of the deceased was not officially confirmed at the time, multiple sources have indicated that Livelsberger was indeed the driver. The LVMPD stated that evidence collected from the vehicle, including military identification, a passport, and credit cards, strongly suggest this identification.

The LVMPD report details that one individual was found dead in the vehicle, while seven bystanders sustained minor injuries. Early indications suggest Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the explosion. Key evidence uncovered in the vehicle included firearms, fireworks, gasoline canisters, and other hazardous materials.

Sheriff McMahill noted that Livelsberger’s movements were tracked through charging stations, confirming a route that passed through northern Arizona towns such as Holbrook, Flagstaff, and Kingman. He emphasized that their investigation, which involves federal partners, aims to establish the motive behind this incident.

In a direct response to the incident, acting special agent Jeremy Schwartz from the Las Vegas Field Office indicated that officials believe this was an isolated event, with no immediate community threat. However, Livelsberger’s family has expressed confusion, particularly in light of his military background and patriotic beliefs. His uncle, Dean Livelsberger, described Matthew as a dedicated soldier who was proud of his service, noting the incongruity between his character and the nature of the explosion.

Dean questioned the lack of sophistication regarding the explosives used, suggesting that Matthew’s training would have enabled him to construct much more effective devices. He contrasted Livelsberger’s potential capabilities with those of infamous bombers, indicating that if he had intended harm, the outcomes could have been much more catastrophic.

In conclusion, Sheriff McMahill refrained from labeling the incident a “suicide mission,” characterizing it instead as a suicide that coincided with the explosion. This incident raises many questions regarding Livelsberger’s actions and the circumstances leading up to this devastating event.