The man who lost his life in the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, was an active-duty soldier in the United States Army.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed at a press conference that Livelsberger shot himself in the head before the explosion occurred. A gun was found at the man's feet, reinforcing the hypothesis that it was a suicide.
The Tesla Cybertruck contained, in addition to the gun, the identification and passport of the deceased, other weapons, mortar fireworks, and fuel canisters. The vehicle exploded in front of the hotel entrance on January 1, 2025, causing minor injuries to seven people nearby.
What was the profile of soldier Livelsberger?
Matthew Livelsberger, 37, had a distinguished military career spanning 19 years, including 18 years in the Special Forces.
He began his career as a communications specialist in the Green Berets in 2006 and held the position of Manager of Remote and Autonomous Systems for the Army. He was on leave in Colorado at the time of the incident.
Police sources indicated that his wife had not heard from him for several days prior to the incident. Additionally, the FBI confirmed that it conducted searches at a residence in Colorado Springs in connection with the case, but no further details have been provided.
Elon Musk and the features of the Cybertruck
Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, stated on his X account (formerly Twitter) that the incident was not related to a vehicle malfunction.
"We have confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb placed in the bed of the rented Cybertruck. All the vehicle telemetry data was positive," Musk stated.
Sheriff McMahill also emphasized that the sturdy design of the electric vehicle helped minimize the damage.
"The fact that it was a Cybertruck significantly reduced the impact of the explosion. Most of the blast was absorbed by the vehicle, which prevented the glass doors of the hotel, located right across the street, from breaking," he stated.
Connections to another attack in New Orleans
On the same day as the incident in Las Vegas, a driver identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar plowed into a crowd in New Orleans, resulting in 15 fatalities before being shot by the police.
Both cases share similarities, such as the use of rental vehicles and the military backgrounds of those involved; however, the FBI has stated that there is currently no conclusive link between the two incidents.
Reactions and public debate
The incident has reignited the debate about security in public spaces and the potential use of electric vehicles in violent acts.
Eric Trump, owner of the Trump International Hotel, expressed gratitude for the swift response from emergency services and reaffirmed his commitment to the safety of guests.
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on understanding Livelsberger's motives and assessing potential connections to other recent events.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tesla Cybertruck Explosion in Las Vegas and Its Context
What caused the explosion of the Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas?
The explosion of the Tesla Cybertruck was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb placed in the bed of the rented vehicle, according to statements from Elon Musk and the sheriff of Clark County. It was ruled out that the explosion was related to a malfunction of Tesla's electric vehicle.
Who was Matthew Livelsberger and what was his role in the Cybertruck incident?
Matthew Livelsberger was an active-duty soldier in the United States Army, identified as the man who lost his life in the Cybertruck explosion. Livelsberger shot himself in the head before the explosion occurred, suggesting it was a suicide act. Weapons, mortar fireworks, and fuel canisters were found in the vehicle.
How did the design of the Tesla Cybertruck contribute to minimizing the damage from the explosion?
The robust design of the Tesla Cybertruck helped minimize the damage, as it absorbed most of the impact from the explosion. This prevented the glass doors of the hotel, located directly across, from shattering, as noted by Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
Is there any connection between the Cybertruck incident in Las Vegas and the attack in New Orleans?
Although both incidents occurred on the same day and share similarities, such as the use of rented vehicles and the military backgrounds of those involved, the FBI has stated that there is currently no conclusive link between the two cases.
What reactions has the Cybertruck incident generated among the public and authorities?
The incident has reopened the debate on safety in public spaces and the potential use of electric vehicles in violent acts. Eric Trump, the hotel owner, expressed his gratitude for the quick response from emergency services and reaffirmed his commitment to the safety of guests.
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