Cybertruck explosion suspect suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, police say

The man identified inside the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning had no animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump and was likely suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the FBI.

Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty member of the U.S. Army from Colorado who was found dead inside the vehicle, was also dealing with other family problems or personal grievances, FBI officials said.

Authorities also stressed that the deadly truck attack in New Orleans that left 14 dead on New Year’s Day was not related to the explosion in Las Vegas.

Police said the Las Vegas explosion appeared to be a “tragic case of suicide.”

“There is no evidence that these two events are connected,” Las Vegas FBI agent Spencer Evans told reporters Friday as officials presented new information about the incident.

“Investigative steps have uncovered, and Army information indicates, that he likely suffered from PTSD, and we are also aware that there were other possible family issues or personal grievances in his own life that could have been contributing factors,” said the Mr. Evans. saying.

Data discovered on Livelsberger’s phone, including a series of notes he appeared to have written, suggest the 37-year-old was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder related to his time in combat, authorities said.

His body was found inside the charred Tesla, which was exploded by fireworks Livelsberger had purchased on his way to Las Vegas from Colorado.

Mr. Livelsberger’s identity was confirmed through a DNA sample that authorities obtained from a family member.

Police said he also appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In digital notes recovered by police, Livelsberger also raised political grievances and called on fellow Army officers to criticize military leadership.

In another note, police said he specifically wrote that the incident “was not a terrorist attack” but a “wake-up call.”

Livelsberger was a decorated Special Forces intelligence sergeant who was serving in Germany, but was on approved leave at the time of the explosion.

His father told BBC US partner CBS News that his son was in Colorado to see his wife and eight-month-old daughter.

He said he last spoke to his son on Christmas and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Mr. Livelsberger’s ex-girlfriend told the Washington Post who had once told her that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury during his deployment overseas. Alicia Arritt, a 39-year-old nurse who dated Livelsberger on and off from 2018 to 2021, said she admitted to having problems with memory, concentration and intense guilt over her actions on the battlefield.

The Daily Beast reported that Livelsberger was a big Trump supporter. A senior law enforcement official who spoke with Livelsberger’s family told the outlet that he voted for Trump in the November election.

Police were able to track their movements in the days leading up to the incident thanks to surveillance cameras and other data obtained from the Tesla vehicle itself.

They said Livelsberger had rented the Tesla Cybertruck from a mobile app called Turo in Colorado on Dec. 28 and driven it more than 800 miles to Las Vegas. He also legally acquired two firearms during that period, which were recovered inside the car.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Police Department said authorities have not determined why Livelsberger chose the site outside the Trump Hotel for the explosion scene, but added that evidence suggests it was one of multiple locations there. considered.

Seven people suffered minor injuries from the explosion. All have since been released from the hospital, Sheriff McMahill said.

He added that the investigation is ongoing and that police are “barely scratching the surface” of the data they have recovered from the man’s devices.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can visit BBC Action Line. You can find help and support outside the UK at Befrienders Worldwide or you can call the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.