On New Year’s Day, a shocking incident occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Matthew Livelsberger, a former Green Beret, died in a fiery explosion from a rented Tesla Cybertruck after shooting himself.
Utah News Dispatch reported that the incident is being seen as a public protest by Livelsberger, who left writings suggesting political change and citing personal combat traumas.
The military identification of Matthew Livelsberger was found inside the burnt vehicle following the explosion.
Clark County authorities responded to the scene early morning after reports of an explosion and fire embroiled the area around one of Las Vegas's prominent resorts.
Livelsberger had committed suicide, shooting himself moments before setting off the explosives in the Tesla Cybertruck. This act was described in his writings as an attempt to cleanse his mind of the combat experiences that burdened him.
In writings retrieved from two iPhones in the wreckage, Livelsberger called the event a "wake-up call" aimed at the American public. He expressed profound dissatisfaction with current political leadership and advocated for significant governmental changes.
He urged militias and Americans to take a stand against the Democratic Party, suggesting a takeover similar to the January 6 event.
Livelsberger explicitly wrote, "Try peaceful means first, but be prepared to fight to get the Dems out of the federal government and military by any means necessary." He believed a "hard reset" was essential for avoiding a national collapse.
Livelsberger's manifesto emphasized rallying support for Donald Trump and Elon Musk, proclaiming their leadership qualities as crucial for the nation's future. He also called for a negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, critiquing the current strategies and leadership.
Alongside his political statements, Livelsberger criticized current diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, labeling them as detrimental to society. He described these initiatives, commonly abbreviated as DEI, as "cancer" within the country.
This criticism ties into his broader view of America's state, which he saw as weakened by poor leadership and misguided policies. His writings reflect a call to return to what he considered traditional values of strength and leadership.
His disdain for DEI efforts was part of a broader condemnation of what he perceived as weak leadership, evidenced further by his advocacy for more assertive national policies and defense strategies.
The Clark County Sheriff, Kevin McMahill, highlighted the importance of addressing mental health in the wake of the incident. He compared the mental stresses faced by soldiers like Livelsberger to those experienced by police officers, emphasizing the need for greater recognition and support.
According to authorities, interviews and investigations revealed that Livelsberger suffered from PTSD. This condition likely impacted his actions and perspective, shaping the tragic way he chose to express his frustrations and demands for change.
The FBI also noted that personal grievances and family issues might have influenced Livelsberger's drastic actions. Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans highlighted these potential contributing factors, though specific details about these personal issues were not disclosed.
Livelsberger's writings further depicted a scene intended to draw attention through shock and awe. He hoped the spectacle of the explosion would force national reflection on the issues he raised. "Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence," he wrote, explaining his tactic of using fireworks and explosives as a message delivery system.
No direct connections between Livelsberger and other recent violent events, like the New Orleans Bourbon St. massacre, were found by law enforcement. The sheriff stressed the necessity of this distinction, to underline that this incident was motivated by individual grievances and perspectives rather than broader conspiratorial networks.