UPDATE: No evidence suggests any coordination or direct connection between the incidents or the two men involved other than being stationed at the same military base.
A bomb explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shocked the city. The blast came from a Tesla Cybertruck, rented by a man identified as Matthew Livelsberger. Although not officially named by the police, sources confirmed his identity. Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Army veteran, served in the Special Forces for nearly two decades. He had been working as a Remote and Autonomous Systems Manager, a role he held for only a few months.
The explosion, which took place outside the hotel’s valet area, caused widespread panic. Eyewitnesses, including Stephen Ferlando, who was staying on the 53rd floor of the Trump Tower, described hearing an “explosion” that shook the windows of the building. The truck, which was sitting outside the hotel’s porte cochère, suddenly exploded in a fiery blaze, sending debris and sparks into the air. The explosion was so intense that the roof of the truck was the first part to catch fire.
Surveillance footage showed the explosion took place at 8:40 am, just moments after the truck arrived at the hotel. Officials later discovered that the truck contained fireworks, mortars, and other explosive devices, suggesting the blast was intentional. Authorities have not yet confirmed how the explosives were detonated, but it is believed that the driver, Livelsberger, likely controlled the detonation.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
The explosion was the only fatality, as Livelsberger was the sole person in the truck when it went up in flames. Law enforcement officials praised the Cybertruck for its ability to contain much of the blast, preventing further destruction and injuries. In a statement, Tesla’s Elon Musk said the explosion was caused by a bomb placed in the bed of the Cybertruck, not the vehicle’s mechanics. Musk clarified, “Law enforcement currently believes it was most likely intentional.”
Interestingly, Livelsberger’s actions initially drew comparisons to another event that occurred hours earlier in New Orleans. In New Orleans, a man named Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd of pedestrians on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Jabbar, who was also an Army veteran, was later killed by police after exiting his truck and firing a weapon at the crowd.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of Las Vegas had expressed concerns about a potential connection between the two attacks, stating, “Do I think it’s a coincidence? I don’t know. We are investigating all possibilities.”
It remains unclear if the two events are connected. The only link we know of so far is that Livelsberger and Jabbar both served in the military and were stationed at the same base at different times. That being said, no evidence suggests coordination or any direct connection between the incidents.
The Las Vegas bombing has left many people questioning the security measures in place at public places like hotels. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism,” a spokesperson for the Trump International Hotel stated.
Amid this crisis, President-elect Donald Trump took to social media to express his outrage. He posted on Truth Social, criticizing the state of security in the country.
“Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World!” Trump wrote. “This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership.”
Trump went on to blame the FBI, DOJ, and local law enforcement for not doing enough to protect Americans. “The DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors have not done their job,” he said, adding, “Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it.”
Featured image via Screengrab
