Cybertruck blast suspect suffered from PTSD, personal grievances, say investigators

Livelsberger urged fellow Army officers to critique military leadership

Web Desk

04 Jan, 2025

Technology

Bombed Tesla outside Trump Hotel. Reuters

Authorities have said that a deceased man found inside a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel early Wednesday morning, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, who was also US army member, likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personal grievances, but stressed that he held no animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump.

Livelsberger’s body was discovered in the charred vehicle, which exploded due to fireworks he had purchased on his way to Las Vegas, BBC News reported. Investigators have confirmed that he also appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The identity was verified using a DNA sample obtained from a family member.

FBI agent Spencer Evans stated, “Investigative steps have discovered that he likely suffered from PTSD related to his time in combat. We are aware of potential family issues or personal grievances that may have contributed to this tragic case.”

Data retrieved from Livelsberger’s phone, including a series of notes, suggest he had been struggling with the psychological impact of his military service.

In his digital notes, Livelsberger expressed political grievances and urged fellow army officers to critique military leadership. He made it clear that he did not intend for the explosion to be viewed as a terrorist attack, calling it a “wake-up call.”

Livelsberger was a Special Forces intelligence sergeant, serving in Germany, and was on approved leave to visit his family in Colorado. His father revealed that their last conversation over Christmas was uneventful, and nothing seemed amiss.

The explosion occurred outside the Trump Hotel, a location Livelsberger had selected among several options. Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that while the exact motive remains unclear, evidence suggests multiple locations were considered by Livelsberger.

In the days leading up to the incident, Livelsberger had rented the Tesla Cybertruck and driven over 800 miles to Las Vegas. During this time, he legally purchased two firearms, which were found inside the vehicle. Seven individuals sustained minor injuries in the blast but have since been released from the hospital as one died.

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