Cybertruck blast suspect had PTSD, say authorities in latest reports

Photo: Reuters

A man who was inside a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning was identified as Matthew Livelsberger. The FBI reported that Livelsberger had no hatred or anger toward President-elect Donald Trump. Instead, it is believed that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Authorities also mentioned that Livelsberger was dealing with personal and family issues.

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Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier from Colorado, was found dead inside the vehicle. The explosion was caused by fireworks he had bought while driving from Colorado to Las Vegas. His identity was confirmed through a DNA sample taken from a family member.

The FBI emphasized that this incident was not related to the deadly truck attack in New Orleans earlier on New Year's Day, which killed 14 people. They assured the public that the two events were not connected. According to Las Vegas FBI agent Spencer Evans, the explosion appeared to be a "tragic case of suicide."
Evans added that investigations revealed Livelsberger most likely suffered from PTSD, which may have been linked to his military service. He also seemed to have personal grievances or family issues, which may have contributed to the incident. Officials found notes on Livelsberger's phone suggesting he struggled with PTSD from his time in combat. His body was found inside the burning Tesla, which exploded from the fireworks.

In the notes, Livelsberger expressed some political opinions, including criticizing military leaders and calling for fellow Army officers to do the same. He also wrote that the explosion was "not a terrorist attack" but a "wake-up call."

Livelsberger, who was a decorated Special Forces intelligence sergeant, had been serving in Germany but was on approved leave at the time of the explosion. He had gone to Colorado to visit his wife and young daughter. His father spoke to CBS News and said that nothing seemed unusual during their last conversation at Christmas.
Livelsberger's ex-girlfriend, Alicia Arritt, shared that he had once told her he had suffered a traumatic brain injury while deployed overseas. She said he struggled with memory, concentration, and intense guilt over his actions in battle.

Although the Daily Beast reported that Livelsberger supported Trump and had voted for him in the 2024 election, the FBI stressed that the explosion was not politically motivated.

Investigators were able to trace Livelsberger’s steps in the days leading up to the explosion using surveillance footage and data from the Tesla. They found that he had rented the Cybertruck on December 28 and driven it over 800 miles to Las Vegas. During that time, he legally bought two firearms, which were found in the vehicle.
Authorities have not yet determined why Livelsberger chose the Trump Hotel as the site of the explosion, though they said it was one of several locations he had considered. The blast injured seven people, but they were all treated and released from the hospital.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are still going through the data recovered from Livelsberger's devices. Authorities mentioned that they are only starting to understand the full scope of the case.
If anyone is struggling with issues related to this story, they can reach out for help through resources like BBC Action Line or the U.S. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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