This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The driver who exploded a Tesla Cybertruck in front of his door Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on New Year’s Day did not exhibit “behavior of concern” at the time he was placed on personal leave from his station in Germany, a U.S. military spokesman said.
“Master Sergeant Matthew Livelsberger had access to and utilized the POTFF (Preservation of the Force and Family) program; he did not exhibit any concerning behavior at the time and was placed on personal leave,” said Brig. General Amanda Azubuike, chief public affairs officer, said in a statement to Fox News. “All relevant information has been provided to the FBI as the lead investigative agency.”
The latest information that the 37-year-old Army Green Beret was not exhibiting “behavior of concern” came after the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) revealed that Livelsberger was likely suffering from PTSD.
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Matthew Livelsberger poses in an undated photo. (Fox News)
On Friday afternoon, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill spoke at a news conference about Livelsberger’s battle with PTSD and his possible motive for the New Year’s attack.
“While this incident is more public and sensational than usual, it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a highly decorated combat veteran. struggling with PTSD and other issues,” McMahill said.
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“Honestly, this is why we started our wellness agency here at Metro, taking care of the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of the people who do 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,” McMahill said.
“And the heroes who serve in the military and on the front lines of America’s law enforcement are being challenged in that way,” he said. “And so I think we really need to pay attention to those individuals, pay attention to what mental health in America.”
The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel 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 portions of Livelsberger’s “manifesto” on Friday.
“This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call,” Livelsberger wrote, according to the cropped notes shared by Las Vegas police. ‘Americans only pay attention to spectacle and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt involving fireworks and explosives?
“Why did I do it now personally? I had to cleanse my mind of the brothers I have lost and release myself from the burden of the lives I have taken,” he wrote.
“We are the United States of America, the greatest country nation that ever existed! But right now we are terminally ill and headed for collapse.”
The Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of the entrance to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
LVMPD Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot. He noted that the suspect had put a gun in his mouth and fired.
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“We also know, as stated by the sheriff yesterday, that the suspect suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Koren said. “The coroner was very specific in saying it was an intro-orbital gunshot wound, which essentially 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. “
