Soldier Who Detonated Tesla at Trump Hotel Left Notes Describing Explosion as a ‘Wake-Up Call’ | US News
A soldier detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day, leaving behind notes indicating that the explosion was intended as a “wake-up call” for the nation’s issues, according to investigators.
Matthew Livelsberger, 37, expressed in notes on his phone that he needed to “purge” his mind “of the brothers I’ve lost and free myself from the burden of the lives I took”.
Livelsberger, a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, shot himself prior to the explosion.
Matthew Livelsberger
He had been serving in the Army since 2006 and had two deployments to Afghanistan.
In one letter, he stated: “This is not a terrorist act; it is a wake-up call. Americans only respond to spectacles and violence. What better method to convey my message than with a stunt involving fireworks and explosives.”
The letters expressed a wide variety of topics, including political grievances, social issues, and global concerns such as the war in Ukraine. He mentioned in one letter that the US was “terminally ill and on the path to collapse”.
Investigators are continuing to assess whether Livelsberger aimed to make a political statement with the Tesla and the hotel named after president-elect Donald Trump.
However, officials reported that Livelsberger did not appear to harbor negative feelings toward Mr. Trump, noting that he stated in one of his messages that the nation needed to “unite behind” the president-elect and Tesla CEO, Elon Musk.
The explosion resulted in minor injuries to seven individuals, and authorities confirmed that Livelsberger acted alone.
“While this event is more public and sensational than typical, it ultimately seems to be a tragic suicide involving a highly decorated combat veteran grappling with PTSD and other challenges,” said Spencer Evans, the FBI special agent in charge in Las Vegas, on Friday.
The aftermath of the explosion outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas
Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Investigators have yet to clarify how he managed to shoot himself inside the Cybertruck while simultaneously igniting fireworks and flammable materials inside, leading to the explosion.
Matthew Livelsberger
Inside the wreckage, investigators found several items including a handgun near Livelsberger’s feet, another firearm, fireworks, a passport, military identification, credit cards, an iPhone, and a smartwatch. Officials confirmed that both guns were acquired legally.
Livelsberger was a member of the Green Berets, the elite U.S. Army special forces skilled in guerrilla and unconventional warfare tactics.
In addition to his two deployments to Afghanistan, Livelsberger advanced in rank and served in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo, as reported by the army.
He had just returned from an overseas tour in Germany and was on approved leave at the time of his death.
His honors included five Bronze Stars, one with a valor distinction for bravery during combat, a combat infantry badge, and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.
