Credited from: NEWSWEEK
The incident involving Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret, has become a focal point for discussions surrounding his motives and capabilities following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. Livelsberger, who was a self-identified supporter of Donald Trump, has been described by his uncle as a "Rambo-type" individual with significant military experience, raising questions about the nature of the explosion and its implications.
According to reports from his uncle, Dean Livelsberger, Matthew was an ardent patriot who served in the U.S. Army for 19 years, primarily in Special Forces. Dean expressed disbelief that his nephew would resort to such a destructive act, claiming that with his skills, Livelsberger "could have fashioned a bomb that would have half obliterated that hotel" had he wanted to cause harm. Instead, the explosion was attributed to a crude combination of camping fuel, propane tanks, and consumer-grade fireworks, suggesting an “amateurish construction” of the device used.
Prior to the explosion, Livelsberger had reportedly suffered personal turmoil, including a recent divorce and accusations of infidelity from his former wife. He had also just welcomed a newborn with a new partner. This context complicates the understanding of his motives, especially as the bombing occurred shortly after a fatal terror attack in New Orleans, although investigators have found no definitive links connecting both incidents.
This ambiguity has led to discussions about the potential political motivations behind choosing a Trump-associated venue for the explosion. On social media, Republican figure Matt Gaetz referred to Livelsberger as a "real CHAD," reflecting a segment of conservative circles that seems to have been impressed by Livelsberger's declared patriotism and military background, despite the tragic circumstances.
Investigations into the specifics of the event are ongoing, with forensic evidence from the Cybertruck, including Livelsberger's military ID and firearms, being closely analyzed. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted the investigation has not reached a conclusion, particularly in determining whether Livelsberger was of sound mind at the time of the explosion. The FBI efforts are aimed at uncovering the motives behind this tragic event while assessing Livelsberger's mental state leading up to the incident.
As this case continues to develop, the implications of Livelsberger's military training, personal struggles, and political sentiments are being scrutinized, prompting critical discussions about the societal and mental health issues facing veterans today.