Investigators in Las Vegas have linked the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded near a local hotel to Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Special Forces soldier.
Authorities confirmed his identity through dental records from the Army and data retrieved from his cellphone.
In the months leading up to the New Year’s Day incident, it appears Livelsberger was in the midst of a mental health crisis.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident
Officials suspect that Livelsberger took his own life just before the explosion occurred.
Evidence suggests he may have viewed his actions not as a terrorist act but as a “wake-up call” intended to raise awareness among citizens, whom he believed were often absorbed in violence and sensationalism.
His writings reveal a profound concern for the nation’s well-being; he described it as “terminally ill,” indicating that this act was a means for him to alleviate the burdens of his combat experiences.
Spencer Evans, a special agent with the FBI in Las Vegas, noted that Livelsberger had no prior criminal history and had never been identified as a security threat.
This tragic event is being investigated as a suicide involving a distinguished veteran who had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personal challenges.
According to investigators, Livelsberger likely dealt with the effects of PTSD, and there may have been personal grievances that compounded his struggles.
Investigation and Findings
Further inquiry hints that Livelsberger’s suicide may have coincided with the explosion.
Experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are working to uncover the specific sequence of events leading to the blast, though limited visibility inside the Tesla complicates their findings.
Livelsberger had a notable military career, serving 19 years as a Green Beret with five combat deployments.
He garnered numerous accolades, including five Bronze Stars, one of which was awarded for valor.
His military journey began in 2006 when he enlisted as a Special Forces candidate.
After a period in active service, he transitioned to a position with General Dynamics, only to return to active duty in December 2012.
The letters found on Livelsberger’s cellphone outline his thoughts on various geopolitical issues, domestic concerns, and politics.
While it’s unclear whether he specifically targeted a location associated with then-President-elect Donald Trump, Livelsberger seemed to frame his actions as a means to capture public attention.
Ongoing Investigation
The confirmation that Livelsberger was the driver of the vehicle was bolstered by dental and DNA analysis.
Law enforcement utilized numerous sources of evidence—including surveillance footage, financial records, call logs, and data from Tesla charging stations—to trace his movements and validate the equipment purchases mentioned in notes that were recovered.
It has been established that Livelsberger was alone in the vehicle, which was not operating in self-driving mode during the incident.
Authority figures plan to dive deeper into Livelsberger’s letters to gain further insight into his mindset, while also recognizing the need to examine additional materials found on a separate cellphone and a laptop that have yet to be reviewed.
They are also aware of a newly released email attributed to Livelsberger in a podcast, although its authenticity is still unproven.
It’s important to note that investigators have found no connections between Livelsberger and a separate violent incident that unfolded on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.
In that case, an Army veteran drove through Bourbon Street, resulting in multiple fatalities.
While both events share similarities in timing and the use of a rental vehicle, no direct links have emerged in the investigations.
As the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Livelsberger’s actions continues, law enforcement is conducting interviews and executing search warrants worldwide, aiming to gain a clearer picture of the events that transpired on January 1.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com