Las Vegas, NV – Newly released video footage and messages have shed light on the suspect behind the New Year’s Day Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Authorities have identified the bomber as Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty soldier from Colorado Springs, whose motivations, captured in chilling messages, reflect a disturbing narrative.

Surveillance footage shows Livelsberger stopping at a Tesla charging station en route to Las Vegas. Investigators tracked his movements from Colorado, through New Mexico, Arizona, and finally Nevada, utilizing data from Tesla charging stations after he rented the Cybertruck through Turo in Denver on December 28.

Messages Left by Livelsberger
Authorities released excerpts of messages left by Livelsberger, which appear to outline his rationale for the attack:

• “Fellow Servicemembers, Veterans, and all Americans, TIME TO WAKE UP!”
• “We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves.”
• “This was not a terrorist attack; it was a wake-up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives?”
• “Why did I personally do it now? I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.”

The explosion occurred in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on the morning of New Year’s Day. The blast killed Livelsberger, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and injured several others. According to the Clark County coroner, Livelsberger’s body was “burnt beyond recognition,” complicating initial identification efforts.

Forensic investigators uncovered Livelsberger’s military IDs, passport, and multiple firearms within the remains of the vehicle.

The bombing followed closely on the heels of a New Orleans truck attack, where 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd in the French Quarter, killing at least 15 people.

These back-to-back incidents prompted heightened security across Las Vegas, with LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill announcing increased patrols along the Las Vegas Strip and downtown areas.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) will hold a press briefing at 1 p.m. on Friday at police headquarters. Sheriff McMahill is expected to provide updates on the investigation.

This tragic and harrowing incident has reignited discussions about public safety, extremism, and the mental health challenges faced by veterans. The investigation is ongoing.