A deadly explosion in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, New Year’s morning, left the driver, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, dead and several others injured. The blast which occurred at 8:40 a.m., is believed to have been caused by fireworks or a bomb placed in the bed of a rented Tesla Cybertruck. Authorities are now investigating whether the explosion could be tied to a deadly vehicle attack in New Orleans, earlier that day.
The explosion occurred in the hotel’s valet area, where a rented Tesla Cybertruck had just parked. Surveillance footage from the scene shows the vehicle’s driver, identified as Livelsberger, passing through the hotel’s driveway before circling back and stopping in front of the building. Moments later, the truck erupted in a massive explosion that rattled the hotel, shaking windows on the floors as high as the 40th story. The blast sent debris flying, but thanks to the construction of the Cybertruck, most of the explosion’s force was directed upward, preventing further damage to the building.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police confirmed that the truck contained gas canisters, camp fuel, and large fireworks mortars, as reported in The New York Times. It is still unclear how the items were ignited, though investigators are considering the possibility that a bomb or fireworks triggered the explosion. The FBI has joined the investigation, and officials have not ruled out terrorism as a factor. “We’re working to determine if this was an isolated incident or part of a larger plot,” said Jeremy Schwartz, the FBI’s acting special agent in charge in Las Vegas.
Livelsberger, a Green Beret in the U.S. Army, was on leave from his post in Germany. He rented the truck from Turo, a car rental service, which was also involved in the rental of a vehicle used in the deadly attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans earlier that day. The truck in New Orleans was used by a man who drove into a crowd of revelers, killing 14 people. Authorities are now exploring the possibility that the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack could be linked.
After further investigation regarding the explosion of the Cybertruck, McMahill noted that a gunshot wound was found on the head of Livelsberger’s remains, and a handgun was located next to him inside the vehicle. This led officials to ponder if Livelsberger committed suicide before the attack.
Following the explosion, the Trump International Hotel was evacuated, and guests were moved to Resorts World Las Vegas for their safety. Security around Trump properties in New York City and Chicago has also been increased as a precaution.
Eric Trump, the president-elect’s son, posted a message on X regarding the incident, offering his gratitude to local law enforcement and the fire department for their swift response. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority,” he wrote.
As the investigation into the explosion progresses, authorities are urging the public to remain cautious while they work to uncover the full details of the incident. The possibility of a connection with the attack in New Orleans has left many questioning the motivations behind these events. The FBI has labeled the incident in New Orleans as a terrorist attack. With security heightened across major cities, Las Vegas residents are left grappling with the shock of what occurred just outside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
