The Incident

On January 1, 2025, a rented Tesla Cybertruck exploded near the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Authorities confirmed that Livelsberger, who was on approved leave from his base in Germany, had rented the vehicle through the car-sharing app Turo. The explosion, caused by a combination of fireworks, gasoline canisters, and camping fuel, occurred just 17 seconds after the vehicle stopped in the hotel’s valet area.

Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head moments before the explosion, according to the Clark County Coroner’s Office. A handgun was found at his feet, and his body was burned beyond recognition. Identification was made through military ID, credit cards, and distinctive tattoos.

Matthew Livelsberger: A Decorated Soldier with a Mysterious Motive

Livelsberger was a highly-decorated Green Beret who had served multiple tours in Afghanistan. He was awarded five Bronze Stars, including one for valor, and was described by colleagues and family as a patriotic and dedicated soldier. Friends and relatives expressed shock at his involvement in the incident, with one relative stating he was the “last person in the world to do anything like this.”

Despite his military accolades, investigators are struggling to determine a motive. Livelsberger was reportedly a supporter of former President Donald Trump, making the choice of a Trump property as the target even more perplexing.

Sara Livelsberger’s Anti-Trump Posts

Sara Livelsberger, believed to be Matthew’s wife, has been linked to a Facebook account containing posts critical of Donald Trump. In a 2016 post, she shared a Trump tweet with the comment, “I follow his Twitter... Just to get my morning motivation to kill someone.” Other posts on the account expressed left-leaning political views, including support for feminism and opposition to Trump’s policies.

While the Facebook account has not been active since 2016, investigators are exploring whether Sara’s political views may have influenced Matthew’s actions. However, no direct evidence has been found to link her to the explosion.

Investigation and Speculation

Authorities are investigating whether the attack was politically motivated, given its location at a Trump property and the use of a Tesla vehicle, a brand closely associated with Elon Musk, a Trump ally. FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans stated that while the symbolism is notable, there is no definitive evidence linking the attack to any specific ideology.

The FBI is also examining potential connections between the Las Vegas explosion and a separate attack in New Orleans on the same day, where another U.S. Army veteran used a rented vehicle to kill 14 people. Both suspects had served at Fort Bragg and in Afghanistan, though no direct link between the two incidents has been established.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, questions remain about what drove Matthew Livelsberger to carry out such an act. His wife, Sara Livelsberger, has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but her past social media activity has added another layer of complexity to the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to uncover the full story behind this tragic event.

For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to local and national news outlets.