Tesla Cybertruck Explosion in Las Vegas: What We Know About Matthew Livelsberger

Matthew Alan Livelsberger, 37, from Colorado, has been identified as the victim of the Tesla Cybertruck explosion that occurred on January 1, 2025, in front of a hotel owned by Donald Trump in Las Vegas. According to local police, the man sustained a gunshot wound to the head, suggesting a possible suicide before the explosion.

The Circumstances of the Explosion

During a press conference, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that Livelsberger’s injuries were caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the blast. A handgun was found at his feet inside the vehicle, along with a passport bearing his name. While the formal identification was initially hindered by the condition of the burned body, distinctive tattoos on his stomach and arm helped confirm his identity.

Unclear Motives

Livelsberger’s motives remain “unknown,” said FBI agent Spencer Evans, noting that no evidence suggests an ideological motivation for the act. The Pentagon revealed that Livelsberger, a member of the U.S. Special Forces, was on approved leave at the time of the incident.

No Connection to Another Incident

The explosion occurred the same day as a deadly ramming attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, which claimed at least 14 lives. However, authorities have found “no direct link” between the two events. Christopher Raia, deputy director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division, noted that while there are similarities between the incidents, it is too early to establish a connection. Preliminary investigations revealed that both suspects served in the military in North Carolina and Afghanistan, but there is no confirmation they knew each other.

Reactions and Ongoing Investigations

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a supporter of Donald Trump, stated on his social media platform X that his teams are investigating the incident, claiming they have “never seen anything like this.”

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden indicated that authorities are still exploring any potential connection between the two events, although no evidence has been found to support this theory. Investigations continue to determine the exact causes of the explosion and to clarify the circumstances surrounding Livelsberger’s actions.