Authorities have identified Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old U.S. Army veteran, as the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that detonated outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day. Investigators believe a self-inflicted gunshot wound preceded the vehicle's explosion. Livelsberger was identified using tattoos, credit cards, military ID, and a passport found at the scene.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department highlighted the role of the tattoos in confirming Livelsberger's identity, stating that they matched records of his body art. Credit cards, military identification, and a passport further solidified the identification.

Matthew Livelsberger in an undated photograph.

A tattoo on Livelsberger's arm assisted in his identification.

Military Service and Decorations

Livelsberger, recently returned from Germany, was on leave at the time of the incident. His extensive military career, beginning in 2006, included time in the active duty Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve. He became a U.S. Army Special Operations Soldier. His service record includes five Bronze Stars (one with valor), a combat infantry badge, and an Army Commendation Medal with valor. Deployments included two tours in Afghanistan, as well as service in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo.

Matthew Livelsberger in a photograph.

Political Leanings and Family

While online speculation regarding Livelsberger's political views abounds, confirmed information remains elusive. His uncle, Dean, stated that Livelsberger "loved Trump" and was deeply patriotic, attributing this patriotism to his Special Forces service. Livelsberger appears to have been married twice, with a divorce in 2018 and remarriage in 2022. His former wife, Sara Livelsberger, maintained a Facebook page with references to him as her husband until 2016, where she also expressed her Democratic affiliation and criticism of then-President-elect Trump.

Investigators examining the Cybertruck's contents.

Investigators examining the Cybertruck's contents.

Cybertruck in Las Vegas.

The Cybertruck explosion outside Trump International Hotel.

Investigators examining the Cybertruck's contents.

Investigators examining the Cybertruck's contents.

The route the Cybertruck took from Denver to Las Vegas.

The Explosion and Ongoing Investigation

The Cybertruck, rented in Colorado and containing firework mortars and fuel canisters, arrived in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning. After driving along the Strip, it parked briefly at the Trump hotel before exploding. The incident, which injured seven others, is being investigated for potential connections to terrorism, particularly given the timing relative to another attack in New Orleans. Authorities are working to establish a motive, acknowledging the location and vehicle type while emphasizing the lack of definitive evidence linking the incident to a specific ideology.