Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill has announced that investigators believe the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day was likely a suicide attempt. The incident occurred when a rented Tesla Cybertruck, loaded with firework mortars and gas canisters, erupted in a fiery explosion near the hotel’s entrance.
Investigation Details
Evidence suggests that the driver died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound moments before the vehicle exploded. A firearm was found at the driver’s feet inside the charred vehicle. Authorities are still working to confirm the driver’s identity, but preliminary evidence points to 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger of Colorado Springs.
Victim’s Background
Livelsberger was a Special Forces soldier on leave from a mission in Germany at the time of his death. He had served multiple deployments, including to Afghanistan, and had held the rank of master sergeant. His colleagues and former commanders have expressed shock at the incident, describing him as warm and caring.
Investigation Progress
The FBI, as part of its Joint Terrorism Task Force, is investigating the case and has searched a Colorado Springs residence connected to the incident. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that Tesla’s senior team is involved and has shared video footage from charging stations across the country. Surveillance footage and Tesla data helped authorities track the Cybertruck’s journey from Colorado to Las Vegas.
No Link to Other Attacks
The FBI has addressed concerns over potential links between this incident and a separate attack in New Orleans earlier this week. According to Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division, there is no definitive link between the two incidents.
Key Points
- The explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day is believed to be a suicide attempt
- The driver, likely 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the vehicle exploded
- The FBI is investigating the case and has found no link to other attacks
- Tesla’s senior team is involved in the investigation and has shared video footage from charging stations across the country
Related News
For more information on this and other incidents, please see our related articles.