Officials say the man found dead inside a Tesla Cybertruck that burst into flames outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas died before the explosion.
Authorities believe the deceased is 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated Green Beret from Colorado.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated during a press conference that a handgun was discovered at Livelsberger’s feet in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. He claimed the evidence suggests he shot himself in the head prior to the explosion, which officials suspect he orchestrated.
However, the vehicle absorbed much of the blast, mitigating damage to the surrounding area. The explosion, described as rudimentary, primarily affected the truck’s interior and did not reach the Trump hotel doors, which were mere feet away.
“The explosion vented out and up,” McMahill said, explaining why the damage was contained. Investigators recovered various items from the charred remains of the truck, including a second firearm, fireworks, a passport, a military ID, credit cards, an iPhone, and a smartwatch. Both firearms were legally purchased, officials confirmed.
While the remains were burned beyond recognition, his military ID, which shows his rank as a Master Sergeant (E-8) was discovered.
Authorities also claim they were able to identify his distinctive tattoos on the body recovered, according to the Associated Press.
Livelsberger joined the Army in 2006 and deployed to Afghanistan twice as well as on assignments in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and the Congo, according to the Army.
Livelsberger earned five Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, as well as a Combat Infantryman Badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.
The incident raises questions about Livelsberger’s motivations and intentions. Kenny Cooper, a special agent in charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, noted that the improvised nature of the explosion was surprising given Livelsberger’s military expertise. “The level of sophistication is not what we would expect from an individual with this type of military experience,” Cooper said.
Authorities say Livelsberger was on authorized leave at the time of the explosion and were able to trace the Cybertruck’s journey across several states using charging station records.
The vehicle was rented in Denver, Colorado, on Saturday and made stops in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona before arriving in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning. Surveillance footage and charging station photos confirmed that Livelsberger was the sole occupant of the vehicle throughout the trip.
A townhouse in Colorado Springs linked to Livelsberger was searched as part of the investigation. Neighbors described Livelsberger as a quiet man with a wife and a young child.
Cindy Helwig, a neighbor, recalled a recent interaction when Livelsberger borrowed a tool to repair his SUV. “He didn’t give any sign of posing a danger to anyone,” she said.
Officials are still piecing together the motives of the person believed to be Livelsberger. The subdued blast, limited damage, and lack of additional threats suggest that the explosion was not intended to cause mass harm. Sheriff McMahill emphasized that investigators have found no evidence of accomplices.
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