Military operative behind Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion

Sheriff Kevin McMahill shared the identity of the suspect believed to be connected to the explosion. While no definitive link has been established between this incident and the New Orleans attack, McMahill did acknowledge the similar backgrounds in military service shared by both suspects. Hours after a truck drove into a crowd of New Year’s Day revelers in New Orleans, another attack unfolded on the opposite side of the country.

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in a ball of flames outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, killing the driver and injuring seven others.

Videos taken by witnesses show the vehicle igniting, with flames pouring out of it. An investigation was launched, with officials from Las Vegas, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)  all participating. A law enforcement official said the incident is being treated as a possible terror attack.

Authorities stated that fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel appeared to be connected to a detonation system inside the truck, which was controlled by the driver.

Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk—who is a key supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump—responded to the incident on social media, saying in part:

“We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck, and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.”

The overt political themes of this attack are hard to ignore.

In a media address on Thursday, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police revealed the identity of the suspect believed to be responsible: 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a U.S. Army Special Forces operations sergeant working with the Green Berets.

Sheriff McMahill clarified that Livelsberger’s identity was discovered through a military ID, credit cards, and a passport found inside the Cybertruck. He also noted that the body was burned beyond recognition, requiring DNA testing for 100% confirmation.

McMahill also stated that the body found in the truck had a gunshot wound to the head, which is believed to have been self-inflicted after a semi-automatic firearm was found at the feet of the corpse.

While officials have not confirmed any definitive connection between this explosion and the New Orleans attack, they did acknowledge the similarities between the two alleged suspects. An FBI special agent also stated that law enforcement officials are pursuing leads internationally, as well as following up on tips they receive within the U.S.