Matthew Livelsberger, a former Green Beret, carried out a shocking New Year’s Day bombing outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, detonating explosives in a rented Tesla Cybertruck and killing himself.
New details reveal that Livelsberger’s actions followed a deeply tumultuous period in his personal life, including a breakup with his wife just days before the incident.
The New York Post reports that Livelsberger and his wife, Jennifer Davis, split on December 26, 2024, following an argument over infidelity.
The couple shared a baby daughter, but Davis allegedly accused Livelsberger of cheating, leading to the breakup. Six days later, Livelsberger traveled from Colorado to Las Vegas, where he orchestrated the bombing outside the Trump International Hotel.
Investigators disclosed that Livelsberger shot himself in the head before the explosives, placed in the truck bed, were detonated. Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed substantial evidence pointing to Livelsberger as the driver but noted that the body was so severely burned that DNA testing and medical records are still being used to confirm the identity.
Tattoos, passport records, and photos from Tesla charging stations along his route were instrumental in identifying him.
In the days leading up to the bombing, Livelsberger sent bizarre text messages to Alicia Arritt, an ex-girlfriend he had dated between his two marriages.
Screenshots of the texts reveal Livelsberger boasting about the rented Cybertruck, calling it “the sh*t” and comparing himself to Batman and the protagonist of the Halo video game series.
These uncharacteristic messages have added to the mystery surrounding his motives.
Livelsberger was on approved leave from his military post in Germany at the time of the attack. His family has expressed shock and confusion over his actions, describing him as a patriotic soldier and staunch Trump supporter.
Dean Livelsberger, Matthew’s uncle, spoke to the Daily Mail about his nephew’s love for the military and America.
“He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook. He was 100 percent loving the country,” Dean said. “He loved Trump, and he was always a very patriotic soldier. It’s one of the reasons he served in Special Forces for so many years.”
Dean also found the amateur nature of the explosive device unusual for someone of Matthew’s skill level. “He was a very skilled warrior. If he wanted to make something sophisticated, he could have,” Dean said. The makeshift bomb, which combined gasoline, fireworks, and mortars, wounded seven bystanders in the vicinity but caused no other fatalities.
Federal authorities are investigating the bombing as potentially politically motivated due to its location and the use of a Tesla Cybertruck. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been openly supportive of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Despite the political backdrop, Livelsberger’s exact motive remains unclear. His apparent loyalty to Trump and his military background make the circumstances surrounding his attack difficult to reconcile.
The FBI has determined there is no definitive link between Livelsberger’s bombing and another high-profile attack that occurred on the same day in New Orleans.
In that incident, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a vehicle into a crowd, killing over a dozen people and injuring many more. Jabbar, who cited ISIS inspiration in videos posted online before the attack, had served at the same military base as Livelsberger. However, investigators have found no evidence suggesting the two were connected or coordinated their actions.
The tragedy underscores the personal and societal pressures that may have influenced Livelsberger’s final actions. Described by his family as a “Rambo-type” and a “100 percent patriot,” Livelsberger’s descent into despair raises questions about the impact of personal crises, mental health struggles, and political divisions on individuals with military training.