What We Know About Matthew Alan Livelsberger And The Cybert...
What We Know About Matthew Alan Livelsberger And The Cybertruck Explosion
Source: Ethan Miller / Getty
What We Know About Matthew Alan Livelsberger And The Cybertruck Explosion
A tragic and alarming incident occurred on January 1, 2025, when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The explosion, which happened around 8:40 a.m. near the hotel’s glass entrance doors, resulted in the death of the driver and left seven others injured.
The vehicle, rented in Colorado, was filled with gasoline canisters, camp fuel, and firework mortars, which police believe contributed to the devastating blast.
Authorities have identified the driver as Master Sgt. Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret. Livelsberger was on approved leave at the time of the explosion and had recently been serving with the 10th Special Forces Group.
His identity was confirmed through police investigations involving surveillance footage and identification by family.
The Tesla Cybertruck reportedly arrived in Las Vegas early Wednesday and was seen driving along the Strip hours before stopping at the Trump hotel.
Surveillance footage shows the vehicle circling the hotel before parking at the valet area, where it exploded just moments later.
The blast caused significant damage to the truck and the surrounding area but miraculously left the hotel’s front glass doors intact.
Police commended the Cybertruck’s unique body design for containing some of the explosion’s impact.
Authorities, including the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, are investigating potential motives and connections to other incidents.
Notably, the explosion in Las Vegas followed a similar attack in New Orleans earlier that day, which involved another military-affiliated suspect.
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However, officials have stated that they have found no definitive links between the two events at this time.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has cooperated with law enforcement by providing vehicle data and charging station footage to assist in tracking the truck’s movements.
Musk also stated that the explosion was unrelated to the Cybertruck’s performance or design, emphasizing that external materials were responsible for the blast.
While investigations continue, the tragic event has raised questions about safety and security regarding rented vehicles and their use in high-profile locations.
The authorities remain vigilant in uncovering the circumstances surrounding this isolated but deeply concerning incident.