A former US Army Green Beret, Matthew Livelsberger, has been identified as the individual responsible for the deadly Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1. Livelsberger, who described the bombing as a personal act to “cleanse his mind,” condemned what he saw as the feckless leadership of the United States, claiming that the nation was teetering on the edge of collapse. His actions, described by authorities as part of a tragic personal journey, have raised questions about the effects of mental health struggles, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), on veterans.
Before carrying out the explosion and ultimately taking his own life, Livelsberger left two digital notes on a charred mobile phone found in the rented Tesla Cybertruck. In the first note, he stressed that the bombing was not meant as a terrorist attack but rather a “wake-up call” for the country. “Why did I personally do it now? I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took,” Livelsberger wrote. His message alluded to the emotional weight he carried from his time in combat and the toll it took on him.
The explosion, which injured seven people, left Livelsberger’s body burned beyond recognition. It was later identified using his military ID and passport. Livelsberger had served in Afghanistan during 2017 and 2018, and was widely known for his patriotism, support for President-elect Donald Trump, and strong belief in the values of American exceptionalism. However, sources within the federal government suggested that his actions were possibly influenced by severe PTSD and other personal struggles that had gone unaddressed for some time.
In a second note, Livelsberger expressed frustration and anger toward the state of American society, calling for urgent action to address what he perceived as a country in decline. “We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves. We are the United States of America, the best country for people to ever exist! But right now we are terminally ill and headed toward collapse,” he wrote, further emphasizing his belief that the nation was at a crossroads.
Investigators have pieced together a timeline of events that suggests Livelsberger meticulously planned his final actions. After an argument with his wife regarding allegations of infidelity, Livelsberger left his home in Colorado Springs on December 26. He rented the Tesla Cybertruck through a car-sharing service and embarked on a road trip to Las Vegas, stopping at several charging stations along the way. Surveillance footage later revealed him arriving at the Trump International Hotel, where he set off the explosion before taking his own life with a firearm.
This tragic event has raised awareness about the struggles faced by veterans and the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly PTSD. While Livelsberger’s actions were deeply concerning, they also shed light on the pressing need for better support systems for those who serve in the military, especially as they reintegrate into civilian life. His letters suggest a man grappling with personal demons and a sense of betrayal by the leadership he once revered, underscoring the complexity of the emotional and psychological challenges that many veterans face after their service ends.
