A shocking explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, leaving the driver dead and seven people injured. The driver has been identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier from Colorado Springs.
What Happened?
Livelsberger was driving the Cybertruck, which was packed with gasoline canisters and large fireworks, when the explosion occurred. The truck erupted in flames in front of the hotel, and the driver was found dead, his body burned beyond recognition. The explosion caused minor injuries to seven bystanders nearby.
The Investigation
Las Vegas police and the FBI are working to figure out the cause of the explosion. There is no link between this explosion and another deadly truck attack that occurred on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. The FBI is still trying to determine if the explosion was an act of terrorism.
The police found two semi-automatic handguns in the truck, both purchased by Livelsberger on December 30. They also found military ID, a passport, credit cards, and an iPhone. Sheriff Kevin McMahill said that Livelsberger shot himself before the explosives detonated. The authorities are waiting for DNA tests and medical records to confirm his identity.
Who Was Matthew Livelsberger?
Livelsberger had served in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and had completed five combat deployments in Afghanistan. He was awarded a Bronze Star for valor and had a reputation as a “soldier’s soldier” in his family. He was on approved leave when the incident happened.
Livelsberger had been a strong supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, viewing him as a military-friendly leader. However, his family said there was no warning signs that he would do something like this. He was from Bucyrus, Ohio, where he was known as a happy, popular high school athlete.
The Tesla and the Location
The explosion took place in front of the Trump International Hotel, a well-known building linked to the Trump Organization. However, police have not found any clear evidence linking the explosion to the hotel or any political motive.
Witnesses recorded videos showing the Cybertruck, an electric vehicle with a unique, angular design, exploding outside the hotel. Livelsberger rented the truck on December 28 in Denver, and before arriving in Las Vegas, he made stops in several cities, including Albuquerque and Flagstaff.
The Aftermath
The explosion caused panic, and the Trump hotel was evacuated, with many guests moved to a nearby hotel for safety. There were also concerns because the Cybertruck, like the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack, had been rented from the Turo car-sharing service. Turo stated that they didn’t believe either of the renters had a criminal background or posed a security threat.
While the investigation continues, the authorities are still piecing together the details of what led to this tragic event, and many questions remain unanswered.
