Authorities provided updates on Thursday regarding the ongoing investigation into the Tesla Cybertruck explosion that occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day, resulting in the tragic death of one individual. The vehicle had been rented by Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old member of the Army Special Forces currently on active duty. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department identified the driver of the truck as the primary focus of the investigation. Evidence suggests that the individual fatally shot himself in the head prior to the explosion.
The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the incident, sustained fatal injuries as the Cybertruck erupted in flames. Due to the severe condition of the body, law enforcement authorities have been unable to conclusively identify the deceased, pending the results of DNA testing. Sheriff McMahill stated, “His body is burnt beyond recognition, and I do still not have confirmation 100% that that is the individual that was inside of our vehicle.”
Law enforcement officials are treating the early morning explosion as a potential act of terrorism, although they have reassured the public that there are no ongoing threats to the community. FBI agent Jeremy Schwartz conveyed this information during a press conference held later on the same evening. Seven individuals suffered minor injuries as a result of the explosion.
Despite ongoing investigations, Nevada officials are awaiting dental records and DNA test results to confirm the identity of the individual behind the wheel during the incident. Sheriff McMahill disclosed, “We do know who rented the truck. We are looking at that individual.”
Reports indicate that Livelsberger was stationed in Germany but was on leave in Colorado at the time of the explosion. Family members of Livelsberger expressed surprise at his alleged involvement, confirming only that he had rented a Cybertruck. Concerns were raised as his wife had not been in contact with him for several days.
Federal agents have been conducting investigations at Livelsberger’s residence in Colorado Springs since the night of the explosion, as reported by CBS Colorado. No evacuations have been ordered during the investigative process. The 2024 model Cybertruck was rented in Colorado and arrived at the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas moments before the detonation.
Authorities discovered gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars in the back of the truck, although the exact means of ignition remains unclear. Sheriff McMahill emphasized that the explosion was an isolated event and dismissed any connections to ISIS. This incident occurred shortly after a separate incident in New Orleans, where a man intentionally drove a pickup truck displaying a black ISIS flag into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in multiple casualties before he was neutralized by law enforcement.
As the investigations continue, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their pursuit of the truth behind this tragic event.
