The individual responsible for the Cybertruck explosion near Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was an Army Green Beret who was found to have consumed marijuana and alcohol prior to the incident, as confirmed by a toxicology report.
Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty soldier in the Special Operations unit, triggered fireworks and other explosive devices from inside the rented vehicle while it was parked outside the property owned by Trump on January 1.
Official records reveal that Livelsberger succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and the coroner’s office classified his death as a suicide in May.
However, recently released toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol and THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, in his bloodstream at the time of death, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.
Livelsberger also had benzene detected in his stomach fluid, though officials noted this may have resulted from the fire and explosion – benzene is a chemical commonly found in gasoline and paint removers, according to the coroner’s office.
The Army confirmed that Livelsberger was stationed in Germany at the time of his death, KDVR reported.
His wife told investigators he returned to his Colorado home on December 21, 2024, with plans to resume his assignment in Germany in early January.
Matthew Livelsberger, 37, an active-duty Special Operations soldier, was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol at the time of the attack, a toxicology report confirmed
The Army Green Beret detonated fireworks and other explosive materials from inside the rented vehicle while parked outside the Trump-owned building on January 1
Livelsberger died from a single gunshot wound to the head, with the coroner’s office ruling his death a suicide in May
While in Colorado, Livelsberger intended to meet with a Navy SEAL who was selling him drones, according to documents. However, after an argument with his wife, he canceled the trip, 8 News Now reported.
On December 29, Livelsberger left his home after sending a ‘Goodbye’ email to his wife, which included the message, ‘things like their daughter will find another daddy,’ according to documents.
Surveillance footage first showed the rented Cybertruck in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day around 7.30 am.Â
It was later recorded driving through the hotel’s valet area before leaving the scene.
The vehicle was tracked along the Las Vegas Strip, stopping briefly in a business parking lot at Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, then returning to the hotel at about 8.40 am – just seconds before the explosion.
FBI and ATF officials reported that the explosion likely occurred at the same time as Livelsberger’s fatal gunshot.Â
In their search of the remains of the charred car, investigators found a handgun and rifle burned on the truck’s floorboard, according to documents.
FBI and ATF officials reported that the explosion likely occurred at the same time as Livelsberger’s fatal gunshot
Surveillance footage first showed the rented Cybertruck in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day around 7.30 am. Pictured: Surveillence footage of the ill-fated Cybertruck driving around Las Vegas
Seven people suffered minor injuries when the truck, filled with fireworks-style mortars and gas canisters, exploded
In their search of the remains of the charred car, investigators found a handgun and rifle burned on the truck’s floorboard, according to documents
Livelsberger’s military service included deployments to Georgia in 2021 and five tours in Afghanistan. Pictured: Matthew Livelsberger from his days in the military
Following this, Las Vegas Metro police shared some of Livelsberger’s writings, also recovered after the blast, describing them as containing a mix of ‘grievances and issues, some political, some personal.’
In January, police released excerpts from Livelsberger’s letters, including calls to ‘wake up’ against weak leadership and to ‘rally’ behind Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Despite this, the FBI found no clear motive for targeting the Trump hotel or using a Tesla Cybertruck.
Documents show Livelsberger had post-traumatic stress disorder and was on fluoxetine (Prozac) at his death.
His military service included deployments to Georgia in 2021 and five tours in Afghanistan.
