LAS VEGAS— The Tesla Cybertruck explosion happened on New Year’s Day outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. On January 1, 2025, at around 8:39 a.m. PST, the driver, Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier from Colorado Springs, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the explosion. Seven bystanders had minor injuries.
Livelsberger was a decorated Green Beret on leave from Germany, with a Bronze Star for valor. According to his family, he was a noted supporter of President Trump.
Investigators are looking into the motive for the explosion, considering that politics might be involved since the truck was made by Tesla, owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk, and the explosion happened at a Trump Hotel.
The Cybertruck exploded because it contained gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large fireworks mortars.
Authorities found no direct link to the New Orleans attack. However, the same rental company was used for both vehicles, but the Cyber Truck was rented through the Turo app in Colorado and driven to Las Vegas.
The FBI and local authorities are investigating this as a possible act of terrorism. The hotel was evacuated, and a strong police presence remains in the area as the investigation continues.
