The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has released further details surrounding the New Year’s Day incident involving an active-duty U.S. Army soldier who took his own life and subsequently detonated a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel Las Vegas. Authorities have identified the deceased as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a master sergeant serving with the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany, who was on approved leave at the time of the incident. Despite the location of the incident, investigators have found no evidence suggesting any animosity towards former President Donald Trump. The investigation points towards a tragic suicide linked to PTSD and other personal struggles.
LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed that investigators recovered a journal from one of Livelsberger’s two phones, detailing his movements leading up to his death. A manifesto was also obtained, further supporting the conclusion that Livelsberger was struggling with PTSD. The content of these documents, according to officials, did not reveal any animosity towards Trump or any political motivations behind his actions. This conclusion was reached despite the conspicuous choice of location for the incident, directly in front of the Trump Hotel Las Vegas. While the investigation continues, the available evidence strongly suggests the incident was a tragic consequence of a decorated soldier’s internal struggles.
Interestingly, voting records indicate that Livelsberger was registered with the “No Labels” party, a centrist political organization advocating for common-sense solutions and bipartisan cooperation. This information raised questions about potential political motivations, which authorities quickly addressed. While the “No Labels” affiliation added a layer of complexity to the initial assessment, investigators reiterated that there was no indication of political animosity driving Livelsberger’s actions. Livelsberger’s registration history with the “No Labels” party, including a cancellation and re-registration in 2024, along with his participation in the last election, were confirmed by the El Paso County clerk’s office in Colorado. Officials stated they were still investigating his political affiliations but emphasized the absence of any evidence linking his political views to the incident.
Livelsberger’s military career spanned several years and included service in the National Guard, Army Reserve, and active duty, beginning in 2006. He attained the rank of master sergeant and spent time at Fort Bragg, a major Army base in North Carolina and home to the Army Special Forces Command. This background highlighted his extensive military experience and service to the country. His time in Germany with the 10th Special Forces Group further underscored his commitment to his military career. This information paints a picture of a dedicated soldier whose life took a tragic turn due to internal struggles.
The investigation also uncovered details about Livelsberger’s personal life, including multiple addresses associated with him and his time on leave from Germany. While the specific details of his personal circumstances remain private, these findings suggest a complex personal history that may have contributed to his struggles. The tragic nature of the incident underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental health challenges faced by veterans, particularly those who have experienced the stresses of combat.
Sheriff McMahill emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, characterizing it as a suicide case involving a decorated combat veteran struggling with PTSD and other unspecified issues. This statement serves as a somber reminder of the invisible wounds of war and the importance of providing support and resources to veterans grappling with mental health challenges. While the public nature of the incident and the involvement of a Tesla Cybertruck generated significant attention, the core issue remains a tragic loss of life stemming from a personal struggle with mental health. The investigation, while ongoing, continues to point towards a deeply personal tragedy rather than a politically motivated act.
