Deadly Tesla Cybertruck Blast Outside Trump Hotel Linked to Self-Inflicted Gunshot
Shock on the Las Vegas Strip! A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day, killing a man identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger. Authorities confirmed he suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the fiery blast erupted.
Explosion Rocks Vegas, Sparked by Packed Fireworks and Explosives
The dramatic blast unfolded in the hotel’s valet area, injuring seven with minor wounds. Investigators uncovered fireworks mortars, gas canisters, and other explosive devices stashed in the Cybertruck’s bed. A firearm was found at Livelsberger’s feet, supporting the conclusion he took his own life just before the violent fireball.
Surveillance footage shows the vehicle arrived at 7:30 a.m., cruising down the Strip before halting at the Trump hotel. The exact cause remains under intense investigation, with law enforcement treating the incident as a potential terror attack.
Military Man with Green Beret Background
Livelsberger, an active-duty Green Beret sergeant stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group, was reportedly on approved leave. While his identity awaits official DNA confirmation, military ID and personal items found inside the truck strongly point to him.
FBI Probes Possible Terror Links — But No Clear Connection Yet
The explosion raises alarms following a tragic attack hours earlier in New Orleans, where a military-connected man rammed a truck into a crowd, killing 14. Both Livelsberger and the New Orleans attacker rented their vehicles through Turo and served at Fort Bragg, but FBI says no direct link has been established.
“We are exploring all potential connections between these two individuals and their actions,” said Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s counter-terrorism division. “We have not found any overlapping assignments at Fort Bragg or shared networks so far.”
Elon Musk and Trump Team React to Incident
Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised the investigation’s progress and confirmed on X (Twitter) that the blast was caused by “very large fireworks and/or a bomb” in the truck bed, not the vehicle itself. “All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion,” Musk added.
Eric Trump, executive VP of the Trump Organization, lauded police and first responders for their rapid response to the scene outside the iconic 64-story hotel.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The FBI has raided Livelsberger’s Colorado Springs home and continues combing through evidence. Authorities have not ruled out further links or motives and urge anyone with information to come forward.
