A tragic incident unfolded on New Year's Day 2025 when a rented Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas after an active-duty U.S. Army soldier, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, seemingly shot himself inside the vehicle. The Clark County Coroner confirmed Livelsberger's death, citing an intraoral gunshot wound as the cause and suicide as the manner of death.
The Cybertruck, containing fireworks, camping fuel, and gasoline, detonated shortly after arriving at the hotel's valet entrance. While the explosion didn't significantly damage the truck's structure, seven bystanders suffered minor injuries, and the hotel's glass doors remained intact. A handgun was discovered near Livelsberger's feet within the vehicle.
Flames engulf a Tesla Cybertruck after the explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. (Alcides Antunes/via Reuters)
The FBI is investigating the incident, exploring potential motives and the circumstances leading up to the explosion. While the location and type of vehicle raise questions, authorities have not yet linked the event to any specific ideology or reasoning. Reports suggest Livelsberger had recently returned from deployment in Germany and was on leave at the time. Interviews indicate a possible altercation with his wife regarding relationship issues before he rented the Tesla and legally purchased the handguns found inside.
Matthew Livelsberger (Fox News)
Livelsberger, a Green Beret operations sergeant, had a decorated military career, earning numerous awards and honors, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. His uncle described him as a "supersoldier" with extensive explosives expertise, raising questions about the seemingly rudimentary nature of the explosion. The investigation continues as authorities attempt to understand the full scope of this tragic event.
Matthew Livelsberger in an undated photograph. (Fox News)
Investigators examine the contents of the Tesla Cybertruck. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Press Conference)
Investigators at the scene of the Cybertruck explosion. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Press Conference)
