A decorated U.S. Special Forces veteran's final moments unfolded dramatically at a prominent Las Vegas landmark.

According to Daily Mail, Matthew Livelsberger, 37, shot himself before his rented Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas as authorities investigate potential connections to a recent ISIS-linked attack in New Orleans.

The decorated Green Beret's body was identified through distinctive tattoos after being burned beyond recognition in the explosion. Investigators found his credit cards, passport, and military identification at the scene, though they await DNA confirmation before making a final determination.

Military Service Record Raises Questions About Motives

Livelsberger had an impressive military career spanning nearly two decades. His service included multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo since joining the Army in 2006. The Green Beret earned numerous accolades, including two Bronze Stars, with one featuring a valor device for courage under fire.

Dean Livelsberger, the veteran's uncle, shared insights about his nephew's character. He described the soldier as deeply patriotic and devoted to his country, noting his long-standing support for Trump and commitment to military service.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed striking parallels between this incident and the recent New Orleans attack. Both Livelsberger and Shamsud-din Jabbar, the New Orleans attacker, had served at the same military base in North Carolina and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, though their direct connection remains unconfirmed.

Investigators Probe Links Between Two Terror Incidents

The FBI continues examining potential connections between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack. Chris Raia, FBI deputy assistant director, stated they found no definitive link between the incidents despite the perpetrators' shared military background.

Authorities discovered the weapons used in the Las Vegas incident were legally purchased just days before, on December 30, 2024. The Cybertruck, rented through the Turo app, exploded approximately 15 seconds after arriving at the hotel entrance.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on social media platform X, confirming the explosion originated from explosives or fireworks in the vehicle's bed rather than any vehicle malfunction. He emphasized that all vehicle telemetry data appeared normal before the detonation.

Personal Life Details Emerge As Investigation Continues

Sara Livelsberger, the veteran's wife and a social worker, reported having no contact with her husband for several days before the incident.

Livelsberger's uncle offered additional perspective on his nephew's character. He shared with The Independent his nephew's dedication to service and patriotic values:

He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 percent loving the country. He loved Trump, and he was always a very, very patriotic soldier, a patriotic American. It's one of the reasons he was in Special Forces for so many years. It wasn't just one tour of duty.

Latest Developments Point To Premeditated Action

The explosion injured seven bystanders, though all sustained only minor injuries. Video evidence revealed multiple explosive devices, including fireworks mortars and canisters, packed into the truck bed. The blast's upward trajectory, rather than lateral spread, explained why the truck bed walls remained intact.

Law enforcement confirmed Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck in Colorado Springs through the Turo app before driving to Nevada. This detail suggests careful planning rather than a spontaneous act.

These developments have prompted increased scrutiny of potential domestic security threats, particularly those involving military veterans. The incident highlights the complex challenges facing law enforcement in preventing such attacks.

Critical Questions Remain As Details Unfold

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Chris Raia and his team continue investigating both incidents, working to understand any potential coordination or shared motivations. The recent reversal of the FBI's initial assessment that Jabbar worked with others in New Orleans adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.

The Army released a statement confirming Livelsberger was on approved leave at the time of his death. This detail raises questions about whether warning signs might have been missed.

Investigators are particularly focused on understanding the timing and motivation behind the weapons purchase just days before the incident. The legal acquisition of these materials on December 30 suggests premeditation.

Veteran Crisis Sparks National Security Concerns

Matthew Livelsberger, a highly decorated Green Beret with extensive combat experience, died in a self-inflicted explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on January 2, 2025. The incident occurred days after an ISIS-linked attack in New Orleans by another veteran who served at the same military base.

The investigation continues as authorities work to understand potential connections between the two incidents and their broader implications for national security. While seven people suffered minor injuries in the Las Vegas explosion, investigators await DNA confirmation to formally identify Livelsberger's remains.