Soldier Matthew Livelsberger was found dead in the rubble of a New Year’s Eve explosion outside the Trump Hotel.
US authorities investigating the explosion of a Cybertruck in front of a Trump-branded hotel in Las Vegas have revealed new details about the motive for the explosion.
On Friday, FBI investigators said the soldier behind the explosion appeared to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“This case may be more public and sensational than usual, but ultimately it appears to be a tragic suicide of a highly decorated veteran who was struggling with PTSD and other issues,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans. explained. At a press conference.
The FBI added that despite the conspicuous location and details of the explosion, there was no evidence that soldier Matthew Livelsberger, 37, harbored any animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump.
The Cybertruck is manufactured by Tesla, the electric car company founded by Trump supporter Elon Musk.
The coroner’s report said Livelsberger committed suicide shortly before the explosion. His body was found in the charred remains of the Cybertruck, and a handgun was found at his foot.
The explosion sparked widespread speculation over Lunar New Year as the United States grapples with a suspected ‘terrorist attack’ in the city of New Orleans that killed 14 people.
That same day, a Cybertruck rented by a ballet company exploded just outside the glass doors of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, causing minor injuries to seven people.
A person, later identified as Livelsberger, was also found dead at the scene. The car was filled with fireworks and fuel cans.
Friday’s press conference coincided with the release of portions of a note Livelsberger left explaining the motive for the explosion.
Livelsperger, a former Army Green Beret who served in Afghanistan and elsewhere, explained in the note that he felt the need to “cleanse my mind” of “the burden of the lives I have taken.”
“This was not a terrorist attack, but a wake-up call,” Livelsperger wrote. “Americans only care about spectacle and violence. What better way to get my point across than with stunts involving fireworks and explosives?”
Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Livelsperger has served in the military in various roles since 2006 and has received five Bronze Stars for his accomplishments.
He was on approved leave when he lost his life.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the New Orleans attacks, was also a veteran. He was killed in a shootout with police after intentionally plowing a rented Ford pickup into a New Year’s Eve crowd on Bourbon Street.
Investigators said they were looking into all possible leads, but no connection was found between the two incidents.
On Friday, Livesperger’s ex-girlfriend, nurse Alicia Arritt, told The Washington Post that the Green Beret suffered from deep guilt due to his combat experiences.
She suspects his symptoms, including blurry memories, may be due to a head injury or physical trauma.
“He wanted to get more help,” Arritt told the Post in an interview. “I think the shame and stigma that came with serving on active duty was more difficult for him.”
Neighbor Cindy Helwig told The Associated Press that she remembers Livesperger coming to her recently to get tools to fix his SUV.
“He was an ordinary person.” she said
