Suspect Identified in Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump’s Las Vegas Hotel
Senior law enforcement officials have confirmed the identity of the driver involved in the Tesla Cybertruck bombing outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel. The suspect has been identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger.
According to unnamed law enforcement sources, the FBI is currently conducting a raid at a Colorado Springs townhouse complex linked to Livelsberger. This property, located in the Stetson Hills area, is associated with multiple addresses under his name. Armored vehicles and heavily armed agents have been seen at the scene, with authorities urging local residents to steer clear. Officials have stated there is no current threat to the Colorado Springs community.
Details of the Incident
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department revealed during a news conference that the Cybertruck had been rented in Colorado before being driven to Las Vegas. The vehicle arrived shortly before 7:30 a.m. local time, at which point the explosion occurred.
The driver, Livelsberger, was killed in the blast, and seven bystanders sustained injuries. Investigators have disclosed that the explosive device, constructed with liquid fuel and fireworks, was placed in the truck’s bed and wired for detonation from the driver’s seat.
Potential Connections to Other Attacks
Authorities are investigating a possible link between the Cybertruck explosion and a terrorist attack in New Orleans earlier the same day. President Biden confirmed this during a news conference in Las Vegas.
In the New Orleans attack, a white pickup truck, also rented through the Turo platform, was used to intentionally target New Year’s Eve revelers. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police. An ISIS flag and several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in the vehicle and at other locations in the French Quarter.
As of now, the New Orleans attack has resulted in 15 fatalities, with at least 35 more victims hospitalized.
Broader Investigation
The Cybertruck explosion and the New Orleans attack are part of an ongoing multi-agency investigation involving state and federal authorities. The similarities between the incidents, including the use of rented vehicles and improvised explosives, have raised concerns about potential coordination.
Both cases continue to develop as law enforcement agencies work to uncover further details.
Authorities Identify Suspect in Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump’s Las Vegas Hotel
Senior law enforcement officials have confirmed the identity of the driver involved in the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel. The suspect has been identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, according to unnamed sources.
The FBI is currently conducting a raid at a townhouse complex in the Stetson Hills area of Colorado Springs, linked to multiple addresses associated with Livelsberger. Witnesses have reported seeing armored vehicles and heavily armed agents outside the building, while local residents have been advised to avoid the area. Officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to the Colorado Springs community.
Details of the Incident
During a Wednesday evening news conference, Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the Cybertruck was rented in Colorado before being driven to Las Vegas. The vehicle arrived shortly before 7:30 a.m. local time, where it was detonated outside the hotel.
McMahill stated that the driver, Livelsberger, was killed in the explosion. Seven bystanders sustained injuries, though their conditions have not been disclosed.
Explosive Device Investigation
Images from the scene revealed that the explosive device, housed in the truck’s bed, was constructed using liquid fuel and fireworks. Authorities believe the device was rigged to detonate from the driver’s seat, indicating a deliberate and premeditated act.
The investigation into the Cybertruck explosion remains ongoing, with federal and state agencies working together to uncover further details about the suspect and the motive behind the attack.
NEWS: Law enforcement officials have released images of the exploded Cybertruck and the leftover fireworks and gas tanks. The truck itself helped contain the blast and held up extremely well.
Authorities believe the items in the bed were connected to a detonation system… pic.twitter.com/Jf0zPl8KlA
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 2, 2025
🚨 UNCONFIRMED: Several large X accounts are claiming that the Las Vegas Cybertruck terrorist is alleged to be MATTHEW LIVELSBERGER, a 37 year old Green Beret, who lived in Colorado Springs, CO. This is the only person who matches the criteria given to KOAA by the FBI. pic.twitter.com/biM83Alvub
— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) January 2, 2025
Investigators Explore Possible Link Between Cybertruck Bombing and New Orleans Attack
During a news conference, Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that state and federal authorities are investigating whether the Cybertruck explosion outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel is connected to the Wednesday morning terrorist attack in New Orleans. President Biden echoed this statement during a brief address in Las Vegas, affirming that the potential link is being actively examined.
Common Elements in Both Incidents
ABC News reports that both vehicles involved in the incidents—the Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas and the white pickup truck in New Orleans—were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental marketplace operating in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France.
The New Orleans attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, deliberately drove into New Year’s Eve celebrants before engaging in a shootout with police, where he was killed. An ISIS flag was found in the truck, along with at least one improvised explosive device (IED). Authorities also uncovered additional explosive devices at various locations in the French Quarter, one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.
Impact of the New Orleans Attack
The New Orleans attack has claimed the lives of 15 people, with at least 35 others hospitalized with injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of Jabbar’s plans and whether there are ties to broader terrorist networks.
Both incidents remain under intense scrutiny as investigators seek to determine whether the two attacks were coordinated or share any connections.
