Official announcements from the U.S. government or Department of Veterans Affairs

Green Beret Dies by Suicide in Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day

Jan 4, 2025, 02:25 PM

Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret and active duty member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, died by suicide in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day. Livelsberger, who had made three visits for mental health treatment for depression and was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), shot himself in the head before the vehicle, which he had rented in Denver and driven over 1400 miles to Las Vegas, detonated. The FBI confirmed that Livelsberger acted alone and had no animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump. The explosion injured several people, but their injuries were minor. Authorities found writings on Livelsberger's phone indicating that his actions were meant as a 'wakeup call' to draw attention to various personal and political grievances. Livelsberger, a five-time recipient of the Bronze Star and father to a new baby, had confided in his ex-girlfriend, an Army nurse, about facing significant pain and exhaustion, symptoms she attributed to traumatic brain injury. Two guns, along with fireworks and fuel, were found in the vehicle.