Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Leaves One Dead, Seven Injured

Incident Details

At approximately 8:39 a.m. PST, a Tesla Cybertruck parked in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas exploded and caught fire. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces soldier from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries; two were transported to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada and were reported to be in stable condition.

Investigation and Suspected Motive

Authorities discovered that Livelsberger had rented the Cybertruck in Colorado using Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service, and had driven it to Las Vegas. The vehicle was found to contain a detonation system composed of fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel. Investigators are treating the explosion as a possible terrorist attack. A six-page manifesto was recovered from Livelsberger's phone, in which he expressed grievances about the U.S. government and military leadership, calling for action to address perceived issues within the country.

Background of the Perpetrator

Livelsberger had been serving in the U.S. Army since 2006 and had multiple deployments, including to Afghanistan. He was reportedly on approved leave at the time of the incident. Family members and acquaintances described him as a dedicated soldier who had recently exhibited signs of mental distress, possibly related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An ex-girlfriend noted that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury during his deployment, leading to memory issues, difficulty concentrating, strained relationships, and guilt over his battlefield actions.

Vehicle's Role in Containing the Blast

Experts have noted that the design of the Tesla Cybertruck may have played a role in containing the explosion, directing the blast upwards and minimizing damage to the surrounding area. Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that the vehicle had been functioning properly and that the explosion was due to external factors.

Ongoing Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and other agencies. Authorities are analyzing data from the vehicle and reviewing Livelsberger's communications to determine the full extent of his plans and any potential connections to other incidents. At this time, no definitive link has been established between this explosion and other events.

Summary: A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, 2025, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders. The driver, an active-duty Army Special Forces soldier, left behind writings suggesting the act was intended as a "wake-up call" for the U.S. The incident is under investigation as a possible act of terrorism.