The FBI suspects that the soldier behind the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas suffered from PTSD | Crime news
The soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, was found dead in the wreckage of the New Year’s Eve explosion outside the Trump Hotel.
Authorities in the United States are investigating Cybertruck explosion in front of the Trump brand hotel in Las Vegas have released new details about the motivation of the explosion.
On Friday, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigators indicated that the soldier behind the blast appeared to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
“Although this incident is more public and sensational than usual, ultimately it appears to be a tragic suicide case involving a highly decorated combat veteran who has struggled with PTSD and other issues,” said Spencer Evans, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge. and at the press conference.
The FBI added that there is no evidence that the soldier, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsbergerit sparked hostility against President-elect Donald Trump, despite the apparent location and details of the explosion.
Cybertrucks are manufactured by Tesla, the electric vehicle company he founded Trump supporter Elon Musk.
The coroner’s report indicates that Livelsberger died by suicide shortly before the explosion. His body was found in the burned remains of the Cybertruck, and a gun was discovered at his feet.
The blast sparked widespread speculation on New Year’s Day as the US grappled with an alleged “terrorist attack” in the city of New Orleans that killed 14 victims.
Seven people suffered minor injuries when a rented Cybertruck exploded in a room outside the glass doors of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on the same day.
One person, later identified as Livelsberger, was also found dead at the scene. The car was loaded with fireworks and fuel canisters.
Friday’s press conference coincided with the release of excerpts from a note Livelsberger left explaining his motivation for the explosion.
In the note, Livelsperger – an Army Green Beret who served in Afghanistan and other locations – described feeling the need to “clear my mind” of “the burden of the life I’ve taken.”
“This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call,” Livelsperger wrote. “Americans pay attention only to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than with fireworks and explosives.”
A native of Colorado Springs, Colo., Livelsperger has served in the military in various roles since 2006 and has received five Bronze Stars for his achievements.
He was on approved leave when he took his own life.
New Orleans attack suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbarhe was also a military veteran. He deliberately drove a rented Ford pickup truck into the New Year’s holiday crowd on Bourbon Street, before being killed in a shootout with police.
No connection has been found between the two incidents, although investigators said they are looking into every possible lead.
On Friday, Livelsperger’s ex-girlfriend, nurse Alicia Arritt, told The Washington Post that the Green Beret suffers from deep guilt over his experiences in combat.
She suspects that his symptoms, which include memory fog, may have been the result of a head injury or physical trauma.
“He wanted to get more help,” Arritt told the Post in her interview. “I think it was even more difficult for him, being in active service – shame and stigma.”
A neighbor, Cindy Helwig, told The Associated Press that she remembers Livelsperger coming to her recently to get tools to repair his SUV.
“He was a normal guy,” she said.
