Green Beret's Suicide Attack at Vegas Trump Tower Called 'Wake-Up Call'

Authorities have confirmed that U.S. Army Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, on leave from Germany, shot himself before causing an explosion with a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. His body was identified only through ID cards due to severe burns. Notes on his phone described the act as a "wake-up call" critiquing national leadership, sparking discussions on veterans' mental health. rpdnetwork via X

Explosion Timeline

The incident unfolded on New Year's Day, with the Colorado rented truck arriving at about 7:30 a.m. and exploding an hour later, just 15 seconds after being parked in front of the hotel.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill described the scene: "We were told that a 2024 Cybertruck pulled up to the front of the hotel, and, in fact, I can tell you it pulled right up to the glass entrance doors of the hotel," McMahill elaborated, "We saw smoke start showing from the vehicle, and then an explosion from the truck occurs." Wikimedia

Musk Confirms: Fireworks and Bombs, Not Vehicle Malfunction

Whether it was intended to create fear around Tesla or not, officials and Musk have already confirmed that the explosion was not due to any issues in the Tesla's systems.

Musk posted: “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.”

McMahill added that there were gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars in the back of the truck. But added, "I don’t know how they were ignited. We haven’t been able to process the vehicle yet.” Trevor Cokley via Wikimedia Commons

Eric Trump Responds: “Safety is Our Priority"

The younger Trump posted a statement on X, noting that “Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism." Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

Trump Tower Security Tightens After Veteran-Linked Attacks

While an official statement yesterday suggested that there were no connections to the New Orleans attack, security questions remain. That attack was carried out by a U.S. Army veteran, leading to questions about wider mental health issues with veterans and the military.

Additional extra police officers were assigned to Trump Tower, according to the NYPD. The security perimeter was expanded, and the extra officers are a security precaution. Bailey Schulz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images