Las Vegas (WE) – A U.S. Army soldier, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, died in a fiery explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Authorities revealed that Livelsberger was driving a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with fireworks and fuel canisters. The incident, which injured seven others, is under investigation by federal and local authorities, including the FBI.
Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier, served at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), a major U.S. Army installation in North Carolina. Officials have not disclosed further details about his military service but confirmed that he spent significant time at the base, home to Army special forces command.
Explosion Details
The rented Tesla Cybertruck, carrying explosive materials, arrived in Las Vegas early Wednesday morning, according to Sheriff Kevin McMahill. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle driving along Las Vegas Boulevard before stopping in front of the Trump Hotel. Moments later, it exploded, sending debris and smoke into the air.
Nearby surveillance cameras and Tesla’s internal vehicle telemetry captured the events leading up to the explosion. Police shared footage showing the aftermath, including charred fuel canisters and remnants of fireworks among the truck’s wreckage.
This Cybertruck explosion is massive… that thing packed serious power
— Raymond Monty Maboea (@RayMaboya) January 1, 2025
Luckily, all this happened outside of a building with people… otherwise, the impact would've been throughly dibastating
At least 1 person reported to have died as a resultpic.twitter.com/s0vAIWKPQ5
Sheriff McMahill praised Tesla CEO Elon Musk for assisting law enforcement by providing surveillance footage and telemetry data. “Musk and Tesla gave us valuable information that helped track the vehicle’s movements and verify that the explosion was unrelated to the Cybertruck’s mechanical systems,” he said.
Authorities believe that the Cybertruck’s unique design played a role in limiting the damage caused by the explosion. The truck’s structure, made of ultra-hard stainless steel, absorbed much of the blast’s energy, directing it upward rather than outward. This design feature prevented catastrophic destruction to the Trump Hotel’s valet area and minimized injuries to bystanders.
Connection to Recent New Orleans Attack
The Las Vegas explosion occurred hours after another tragic event in New Orleans, where a driver rammed a truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Day. That attack, which killed 15 people, is being treated as a terrorist act. Both vehicles were rented through Turo, an online car-sharing platform. Authorities are investigating potential links between the two incidents but have not found direct connections between the drivers.
Turo issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims and confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement. “We are assisting investigators to ensure full transparency regarding the rentals involved in these tragic incidents,” a company spokesperson said.
Authorities are also probing whether there are broader trends or coordinated efforts behind these incidents. “We’re investigating potential connections between the Las Vegas and New Orleans cases while also examining similar incidents globally,” Sheriff McMahill stated.
The FBI says at this point, there is "no definitive link" between the deadly truck attack in New Orleans and the explosion of a Cybertruck in Las Vegas on New Year's Day, in a Thursday morning update on the investigation. pic.twitter.com/wMaIepq3cj
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 2, 2025
Damage Contained by Vehicle Design
The explosion’s impact was mitigated by the Cybertruck’s unique design, according to Sheriff McMahill. The blast’s upward trajectory reduced damage to the Trump Hotel’s valet area. “The Cybertruck’s structure absorbed much of the explosion, preventing catastrophic destruction,” he noted. Despite being parked directly in front of the building, the hotel’s front glass doors remained intact.
McMahill credited Tesla’s engineering for helping minimize damage. “The Cybertruck’s durability and construction likely saved lives,” he said. The vehicle’s robust design was initially intended to withstand rugged use but inadvertently played a role in containing the explosion’s impact.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI confirmed law enforcement activity at a residence in Colorado Springs linked to the Las Vegas explosion. Authorities are also probing Livelsberger’s background and motives. “We’re conducting a thorough investigation to determine if there are any broader security concerns,” an FBI spokesperson said.
While no direct connection has been established between Livelsberger and extremist groups, investigators are examining all possibilities. They are also scrutinizing his military history and any potential overlap with Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, the perpetrator of the New Orleans attack, who also served at Fort Liberty.
Officials emphasized that, while both incidents involve Army personnel, no evidence currently suggests a coordinated effort. “It’s essential to approach these cases independently while keeping an eye out for any shared elements,” a federal official stated.
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Public Reactions and Official Statements
Elon Musk addressed the incident on social media, emphasizing that the explosion was unrelated to the Cybertruck’s design or functionality. “The explosion was caused by fireworks and fuel canisters, not the vehicle itself. All telemetry was normal at the time,” Musk wrote.
We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. https://t.co/HRjb87YbaJ
President-elect Donald Trump, whose hotel was the site of the explosion, extended sympathies to the injured and commended first responders for their quick action. “This was a tragic event, but thanks to the efforts of law enforcement and emergency services, further harm was prevented,” Trump stated.
Trump also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of public safety measures, promising increased security at high-profile locations. “We must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our communities,” he added.
Military and Security Implications
The incident has raised questions about the security risks posed by individuals with military training who may have access to dangerous materials. Experts are urging a review of protocols for identifying potential threats within the armed forces.
“This underscores the importance of mental health support and monitoring for service members,” said retired Army General David Connors. “We need to ensure that those who serve are supported and that any red flags are addressed promptly.”
The Army’s leadership has acknowledged the need for enhanced support systems for active-duty personnel. “We’re working to strengthen our mental health and monitoring programs,” a Pentagon spokesperson said. “It’s critical to address the well-being of those who serve our nation.”
Community Impact and Next Steps
Residents and visitors in Las Vegas have expressed shock and concern over the explosion. Vigils are being organized to support the injured and honor the resilience of the community.
“It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen,” said local business owner Sarah Hernandez. “But our city is strong, and we’ll come together to support one another.”
Authorities continue to investigate potential connections between the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents. While no definitive links have been found, law enforcement remains vigilant. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring public safety,” Sheriff McMahill said.
Meanwhile, Tesla is working to enhance its security measures to prevent the misuse of its vehicles. The company announced plans to collaborate with law enforcement on improved monitoring and tracking systems for its fleet. “We’re committed to ensuring our vehicles are used responsibly and safely,” a Tesla spokesperson stated.
As the investigation unfolds, questions about the motives behind these attacks and their implications for national security remain at the forefront. Experts are calling for increased collaboration between public and private entities to address emerging threats.
Broader Implications
The use of vehicles in attacks has become a growing concern for law enforcement worldwide. The Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents highlight the need for enhanced security measures and the importance of community vigilance.
“We must adapt to new challenges and ensure that our cities remain safe,” said Homeland Security analyst Rebecca Langford. “This requires collaboration at every level, from local communities to national agencies.”
As investigators work to piece together the events leading to the Las Vegas explosion, the focus remains on supporting the victims and preventing future tragedies. The resilience and determination of the Las Vegas community stand as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.