Cybertruck Explosion in Vegas: 1 Dead, 7 Injured

Cybertruck Explosion in Las Vegas Leaves One Dead, Seven Injured

A Tesla Cybertruck was involved in a fiery explosion Wednesday morning near the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, resulting in one fatality and injuries to seven individuals, as reported by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Suspect Identified

Investigators have identified 37-year-old Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active duty U.S. Army Green Beret stationed in Colorado Springs, as the primary suspect. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated that Livelsberger’s identification, credit cards, and passport were recovered from within the vehicle.

Livelsberger is also confirmed as the renter of the Cybertruck, with surveillance footage from Tesla Supercharging stations along the route between Colorado and Las Vegas placing him as the driver.

Investigation Details

While awaiting DNA confirmation, Sheriff McMahill indicated the deceased individual died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the explosion. The firearm used was registered to Livelsberger.

An eyewitness, who filmed the incident from the hotel lobby and shared the footage on X, described the vehicle as having “blown up” upon arrival. This video quickly circulated on the social media platform.

Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing multiple investigative leads in this case.

Connection to New Orleans Incident

Governor Joe Lombardo’s office is coordinating with the LVMPD and other agencies. Sheriff McMahill referenced a separate, fatal incident in New Orleans that occurred on the same day, involving at least 15 casualties.

He emphasized that law enforcement was taking necessary precautions, stating, “We’re very well aware of what has happened in New Orleans…and the additional IEDs. With an explosion here on iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all of the precautions that we need to take to keep our community safe.”

Rental Details and Turo's Involvement

The Cybertruck was rented in Colorado through the peer-to-peer car rental service, Turo, and arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. PT on Wednesday.

Notably, the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack was also rented via Turo, a fact Sheriff McMahill described as a “coincidence” currently under investigation.

Turo, founded in 2010, operates similarly to Airbnb, allowing private vehicle owners to rent out their cars. The company had plans for an IPO in 2022.

Turo's Response

A Turo spokesperson released a statement expressing the company’s sorrow and cooperation with law enforcement. The statement read, “We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents.”

The spokesperson further stated that neither renter involved in the Las Vegas or New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have flagged them as a security risk, and reaffirmed Turo’s commitment to robust risk management protocols.

Ongoing Safety Measures

Law enforcement is currently searching for any additional devices, but believes there is no ongoing threat to the Las Vegas community. Updates will be provided if the situation changes.

Tesla's Statement

Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on X, stating that the entire senior team was investigating. He initially promised to share more information as it became available, noting, “We’ve never seen anything like this.”

Musk later reported that vehicle telemetry data indicated the Cybertruck was functioning normally. He attributed the explosion to “very large fireworks and/or a bomb” carried in the vehicle’s bed, clarifying it was unrelated to the vehicle itself.

Collaboration with Tesla

Sheriff McMahill expressed gratitude to Musk for providing law enforcement with crucial information regarding the Cybertruck’s operation and footage from Tesla charging stations used by the suspect.

Political Connections

The incident occurs as Elon Musk maintains a close relationship with President-elect Donald Trump. Records show Musk has made at least 31 flights to or from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property in Florida, and recent reports indicate he is currently staying at a cottage on the property.

This article has been updated to include the latest information regarding the number of casualties, the contents found in the vehicle, and accompanying images.