Questions grow about soldier’s Tesla Cybertruck attack at Trump Las Vegas hotel
Share and Follow

The enigma surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day has only intensified, as the latest report from local authorities sheds little new light on the motive behind the incident.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) released a comprehensive 78-page “after-action” report on Monday, confirming that Matthew Livelsberger, who took his own life before the explosion, had left behind a manifesto. This document was discovered on his phone during a forensic investigation.

According to the report, the Department of War has classified the manifesto, leading to the federal government taking over the investigation.

As detailed in the report, which was obtained by Fox News Digital, it was verified that the Green Beret was on leave from his Special Forces unit at the time and had rented the Tesla Cybertruck via the car-sharing service Turo.

Vegas Cybertruck outside Trump hotel in Vegas.

Matthew Livelsberger, an Army Special Forces soldier, triggered the explosion of his vehicle in front of the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

He filled it with fireworks, gas cans and camping fuel, and drove it to the Trump International Hotel just after 8:40 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025. There, the vehicle detonated, causing damage and injuring six people.

LVMPD and federal investigators described the incident as a premeditated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack “with the potential to cause mass casualties and extensive structural damage” but did not call it terrorism.

Investigators also reconstructed Livelsberger’s final days using phone data, bank records and surveillance footage.

The burned out Cybertruck at the scene.

Matthew Livelsberger blew up a rented Cybertruck outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel. (Los Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

Surveillance video showed Livelsberger pouring accelerant into the truck bed moments before detonation, an act LVMPD said reflected planning rather than impulse.

Counterterrorism investigators concluded he sought to make “a very big, very public statement,” suggesting the Las Vegas location was chosen for visibility and impact.

He also left behind a note claiming the attack was not terror-related, but a way for the soldier to “cleanse” his mind but criticized the “feckless leadership” of a U.S. that is “near collapse,” officials said.

Investigators looking at the blown up Cybertruck.

Federal investigators described the incident as a premeditated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack but did not call it terrorism. (Los Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

“This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call,” Livelsberger wrote in the notes app on his phone.

“Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives,” Livelsberger wrote.

One of his messages was said to have gone to Shawn Ryan, an ex-Navy SEAL and CIA contractor.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Race to find Brit teen missing in Romanian mountains

Urgent Search Underway for Missing British Teen in Romanian Mountains: Community Rallies to Help

Rescuers are locked in a tense race against time as they tirelessly…
Trump's MRI scan results released by White House

White House Unveils Results of Trump’s Recent MRI Scan

The White House has unveiled details about an MRI scan performed on…
Ilya Sorokin, Patrick Roy brush off miscue in Islanders' loss

Ilya Sorokin and Patrick Roy Remain Unfazed by Incident in Islanders’ Defeat

In the aftermath of the New York Islanders’ 4-1 defeat to the…
Mamdani-appointed NYC professor who wrote book on ending policing now tasked with shaping community safety

NYC Professor and Author of Policing Reform Book Takes on New Role in Community Safety

A sociology professor from Brooklyn College, who has been selected to join…
ICE arrests two illegal immigrants convicted of 'heinous' crimes against children in New Jersey and Texas

ICE Apprehends Two Convicted Child Offenders in New Jersey and Texas: A Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

In a determined effort to expel violent offenders from the United States,…
Duval County school choice lottery window opens for 2026 - 2027 school year

Duval County Launches School Choice Lottery for 2026-2027 Academic Year

From December 1 to January 31, parents and guardians in Duval County…
Trump delivers ultimatum to Maduro to flee Venezuela IMMEDIATELY

Trump Demands Immediate Departure of Maduro from Venezuela: A High-Stakes Diplomatic Ultimatum

In a stern warning to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump advised…
Trump invites families of two National Guard members shot in DC to White House, plans to honor soldiers

Trump to Honor Families of National Guard Members Shot in DC with Special White House Invitation

West Virginia honors fallen National Guard soldier Governor Patrick Morrisey of West…