Las Vegas Blast Claims Life of Decorated U.S. Army Green Beret
A decorated U.S. Army Green Beret, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, was killed when a Tesla Cybertruck packed with explosives detonated outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel on January 1, 2025, officials confirmed Thursday.
Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier, served in the elite Green Berets and had a distinguished military career spanning nearly two decades. He deployed twice to Afghanistan and served in several high-risk regions, including Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo, according to a statement from the Army. His commendations include two Bronze Stars—one with a valor device for heroism—an Army Commendation Medal with valor, and a combat infantry badge.
At the time of his death, Livelsberger was on approved leave, the Army stated.
The explosion occurred just outside the entrance to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Video footage revealed a payload of fireworks mortars and camp fuel canisters loaded into the bed of the Cybertruck. Authorities reported that the truck’s blast shot upward, leaving its bed walls intact and minimizing lateral damage.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “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. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.”
The FBI confirmed that its agents were conducting a search of a Colorado Springs residence tied to the rented Cybertruck. However, details about the individual who rented the vehicle using the Turo app remain undisclosed.
This incident follows another tragedy on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, where 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd in the French Quarter, killing at least 15 people before being shot by police. Authorities are investigating the New Orleans attack as a potential act of terrorism.
Both Livelsberger and Jabbar had been stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), but law enforcement officials reported no overlap in their assignments. FBI Deputy Assistant Director Chris Raia stated Thursday, “There is no definitive link between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack.”
The shocking explosion, coupled with the soldier’s high-profile military background, has raised questions about the motive behind the incident. Law enforcement continues to investigate potential connections and motives as part of their broader efforts to ensure public safety.
The HART hubs are slated to begin operation by March 31, 2025, as part of Ontario’s initiative to expand addiction recovery services while addressing community safety concerns.