Matthew Livelsberger did not exhibit ‘behaviour of concern’ prior to the leave request
This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact Suicide and Crisis Services at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The driver who blew up the Tesla Cybertruck in front Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on New Year’s Day did not display any “behavior of concern” at the time he was granted personal leave from his station in Germany, a US military spokesman said.
“Master Sergeant Matthew Livelsberger had access to and use of the POTFF [Preservation of the Force and Family] program; he did not exhibit any worrisome behavior at that time and was granted personal leave,” Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike, chief of the Department of Public Affairs, said in a statement to Fox News. “All relevant records have been provided to the FBI as the lead investigative agency. “
The latest information that the 37-year-old Army Green Beret had not displayed “behavior of concern” came after the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) revealed that Livelsberger may be suffering from PTSD.
Matthew Livelsberger poses in an undated photo. (Fox News)
At a press conference Friday afternoon, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill spoke about Livelsberger’s struggle with PTSD and his possible motive for the New Year’s attack.
“While this incident is more public and sensational than usual, ultimately it appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a highly decorated combat veteran who struggles with PTSD and other issues,” McMahill said.
WHO IS MATTHEW LIVELSBERGER? WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE SUSPECT FOR THE TESLA CYBERTRUCK EXPLOSION
“Honestly, that’s why we started our wellness office here in Metro and taking care of the heart, mind, body and soul of the people out there doing this work, because they’re exposed to things, they see things, they hear things, they feel things and they smell things that most normal people don’t have to do,” McMahill said.
“And the heroes who serve in the military and on the front lines of America’s law enforcement are challenged in that way,” he said. “And, so, I think we really need to pay attention to these individuals, pay attention to what mental health in America it seems.”
The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day has been identified as 37-year-old Matthew Alan Livelsberger (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
Police officials also released parts of Livelsberger’s “manifesto” on Friday.
“This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call,” Livelsberger wrote, according to redacted notes he shared Las Vegas Police. “Americans only pay attention to spectacle and violence. What better way to get my point across than with fireworks and explosive stunts?
“Why did I personally do this now? I needed to clear my mind of the brothers I lost and free myself of the burden of the lives I took,” he wrote.
“We are the United States of America, the people of the best country that ever existed! But right now we are terminally ill and headed for collapse.”
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the entrance to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
LVMPD Deputy Sheriff Dori Koren said Livelsberger died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He stated that the suspect put a gun in his mouth and fired it.
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“We also know, as the sheriff mentioned yesterday, that the suspect had a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Koren said. “The coroner was very specific when he said it was an intro-orbital gunshot wound, which basically means the suspect put the firearm in his mouth and fired the gun. And, ultimately, the wound came out of the left side of his head.”
