The Incident
On January 1, a Cybertruck exploded in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, injuring seven people. Authorities identified the driver as 37-year-old Master Sgt. Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army Special Operations soldier. While DNA confirmation is pending, police noted Livelsberger was "burned beyond recognition."
Gunshot Wound
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed that Livelsberger sustained a gunshot wound to the head, believed to be self-inflicted, before the explosion.
Items Found in the Vehicle
Authorities recovered firearms, fireworks, gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, large firework mortars, a military ID, an iPhone, and credit cards from the Cybertruck.
Investigation Progress
The explosion was caught on video, and investigators traced the Cybertruck, rented via Turo in Colorado, using Tesla charging station records. It arrived in Las Vegas approximately an hour before the blast. Law enforcement officials, including the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, are examining whether the incident was an act of terrorism. So far, the event is being treated as "isolated."
Livelsberger's Background
Livelsberger was a highly decorated soldier who served five combat tours in Afghanistan. His awards include a Bronze Star for valor and an Army commendation for valor. His military service spanned from 2006 to 2012, with stints in active duty, the National Guard, and the Army Reserve. At the time of the explosion, Livelsberger was on approved leave.
Potential Connections
Authorities are investigating similarities between this incident and a New Year's Day attack in New Orleans. In that case, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a pickup truck into a crowd, killing 14 people and injuring dozens. Both men were linked to Fort Bragg, served in Afghanistan in 2009, and rented their vehicles through Turo. However, no concrete connection has been established.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement continues to seek a motive for Livelsberger's actions. The FBI and local authorities are collaborating to gather more information, but significant questions remain unanswered.
The public is advised to await further updates as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
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