Former Army Member's Cybertruck Explosion Linked to PTSD and Personal Struggles

The FBI has ruled the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas a suicide, revealing that the suspect, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, was an active-duty Army member battling PTSD and other personal issues. Despite being politically aligned with Trump, authorities stress that there was no animosity toward him.

The explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas has been characterized by investigators as a tragic case of suicide, involving 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated Army member who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Livelsberger, who was on leave from his post in Germany, was found deceased inside the vehicle which exploded from homemade fireworks he had purchased during his trip from Colorado.

According to the FBI, Livelsberger harbored no animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump despite being known as a supporter. "Our investigation shows he was battling personal grievances and PTSD consequential to his combat experiences," FBI agent Spencer Evans disclosed at a press conference.

The Las Vegas incident, which left seven others with minor injuries, has been formally declared unrelated to other violent events, specifically a deadly truck attack in New Orleans that occurred earlier this year. Evoking emotional distress, investigators noted that Livelsberger had left behind digital notes indicating a personal wake-up call rather than a politically-motivated attack.

Recovering data from his phone further confirmed he had expressed frustrations with military leadership. Livelsberger’s identity was confirmed through DNA taken from a family member, and it was revealed he suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the explosion. His father conveyed to CBS News that Livelsberger had recently visited Colorado to see his young family, and had seemed stable during their last conversation.

Alicia Arritt, Livelsberger’s ex-girlfriend, confirmed the struggles he faced dating back to his deployment, including memory issues and guilt rooted in his military service. Days before the incident, authorities traced his movements through surveillance and data from the Tesla, noting he had rented the vehicle and traveled over 800 miles to Las Vegas.

While police have yet to determine the reasons behind his choice of location for the blast, evidence suggests it was among several contemplated. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities indicating they are just beginning to process the data retrieved from Livelsberger's devices. Mental health resources for those affected are available through various organizations, including the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.