Additional Coverage:
- Vegas Cybertruck explosion ‘a tragic case of suicide’ by veteran with PTSD, officials say (newsbreak.com)
A Green Beret with a lengthy military service died by suicide in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Las Vegas hotel on New Year’s Day.
Investigators revealed that the soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Evidence from his phone indicated that the incident was an act of suicide, not terrorism.
Livelsberger’s notes expressed frustration with society’s lack of attention to veterans’ issues. He wrote that he wanted to use a “spectacle” to draw attention to his cause.
Investigators stated that Livelsberger had battled PTSD and personal issues. His notes mentioned the burden of losing fellow soldiers and taking lives during combat.
Livelsberger had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Authorities found no evidence of political motivations behind the incident and believe he acted alone.