Army service member Matthew Livelsberger identified as Tesla bombing suspect

On New Year's Day 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Las Vegas, USA, when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. The blast resulted in the death of 37-year-old Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier in the Army Special Forces, who was found inside the vehicle. Initially, the explosion injured seven bystanders, all of whom suffered minor injuries. Authorities later confirmed that Livelsberger had completed five combat deployments to Afghanistan and had been struggling with mental health issues. His suicide, along with the bombing, has raised concerns over the support provided to military personnel dealing with PTSD. In the aftermath of the explosion, the Las Vegas police and FBI undertook a comprehensive investigation to understand the motive behind Livelsberger's actions. Preliminary findings revealed that he suffered from significant psychological distress, often experienced by veterans who have undergone multiple combat deployments. While law enforcement identified evidence of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the vehicle contained explosive materials, such as fireworks and gasoline canisters, suggesting a premeditated attempt to create a deadly incident. However, Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that there was no definitive link to any terrorist activity. Investigations into Livelsberger’s background indicated that he had a history of mental health struggles, particularly PTSD, which can arise after experiencing combat stress. The soldier was reportedly on approved leave from his assignment in Germany to visit family in Colorado. Livelsberger had recently rented the Cybertruck in Denver before making his way to Las Vegas. His father remarked that their last conversation during the Christmas holiday seemed normal, raising questions about what transpired in the days leading up to the incident. Authorities further clarified that there were no evident ties to another horrific tragedy that day: a separate truck attack in New Orleans that claimed 15 lives. Both incidents involved individuals with military backgrounds, yet investigations found no concrete connections. The Las Vegas event serves as a grim reminder of the mental health challenges faced by many veterans, highlighting the need for increased support systems for active-duty and retired military personnel.