Man D_ed in Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Identified as Active-Duty U.S. Army Soldier

The man who authorities believe died in a fiery Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel has been identified as an active-duty U.S. Army soldier.

According to three U.S. officials speaking with The Associated Press, the individual was Matthew Livelsberger, who had served at the military base formerly known as Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

The explosion occurred after a Cybertruck, loaded with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, ignited in a dramatic scene near Trump’s hotel. Two law enforcement officials confirmed Livelsberger’s identity to the AP on the condition of anonymity, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The officials did not provide details about how or why the truck was packed with explosive materials, leaving questions about the incident’s motive.

Livelsberger was serving in active-duty status at the time of the explosion, the officials revealed. Fort Bragg, now renamed Fort Liberty, is one of the largest military installations in the United States and is home to the Army’s special operations forces.

However, details about Livelsberger’s specific role and activities remain undisclosed as investigators continue to piece together his military background.

The shocking incident unfolded just hours after another tragedy rocked New Orleans. A driver identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, rammed a truck into a crowd in the city’s French Quarter during New Year’s Day celebrations. At least 15 people were killed in the attack before Jabbar was shot and killed by police.

Law enforcement officials are investigating the New Orleans attack as a terrorist act, suspecting that Jabbar was not acting alone. While no definitive connection has been made between Jabbar and Livelsberger, both men had ties to Fort Bragg.

One official clarified that there is no evidence of overlapping assignments at the base, but the coincidence is under scrutiny as investigators examine their respective military histories.

The Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans truck attack have placed renewed attention on the backgrounds of both men, particularly their ties to military service.

Jabbar’s actions, now being treated as part of a potential coordinated effort, have raised concerns about whether more individuals may have been involved or if Livelsberger’s explosion was in any way related.

Investigators are also working to determine if Livelsberger’s death was accidental or deliberate. The presence of explosive materials in the Tesla Cybertruck has fueled speculation about whether he was planning to carry out a larger act of violence or if he was merely transporting the dangerous items when the explosion occurred.

The futuristic Tesla Cybertruck, which debuted in late 2023, has already drawn public fascination for its unique design and electric capabilities. However, this incident marks one of the first high-profile cases involving the vehicle in a criminal context.

As authorities continue their investigation, questions linger about the motivations and backgrounds of both Livelsberger and Jabbar.

The timing of the two incidents, occurring within hours of each other and involving individuals with military ties, has raised concerns about broader security threats.

Law enforcement agencies, including federal investigators, are working to connect the dots, if any, between the two events. Officials have emphasized that they are still in the early stages of their inquiries and are cautioning against speculation.

The tragedies in Las Vegas and New Orleans have underscored the importance of mental health and post-service care for military personnel and veterans.

Both Livelsberger and Jabbar’s connections to the Army have renewed calls for closer scrutiny of how the military monitors the well-being of its service members, particularly those transitioning to civilian life.

Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has yet to publicly comment on the incidents. The explosion outside his Las Vegas hotel has added another layer of complexity to an already tense political climate as the nation grapples with acts of violence at the start of a new year.

As the investigation progresses, more details about Livelsberger’s motives and the circumstances surrounding his death are expected to emerge.

For now, authorities are focused on unraveling the events that led to this tragic and unsettling start to 2025.