Fatal Explosion at Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas Identified as U.S. Army Soldier
A person found dead inside a Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier from Colorado Springs. The FBI said it has yet to determine whether the blast is an act of terrorism.
Livelsberger, who was assigned to the Army Special Operations Command, acted alone and shot himself before the explosives in the vehicle were detonated, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said.
The explosion, which occurred on New Year’s Day, left seven people with minor injuries. It was one of two semi-automatic handguns found in the Cybertruck, both of which were lawfully purchased by Livelsberger on December 30.
Livelsberger was a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump and had always wanted to be an "Army soldier, in Special Forces, even as a little kid," according to a close relative.
The Army said Livelsberger was on approved leave at the time of his death and had been awarded a Bronze Star for valor and an Army commendation for valor, along with a Combat Infantryman Badge. He had completed five combat deployments to Afghanistan.
A Turo spokesperson said the company did not believe either of the renters of the vehicles involved had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat.