Canada Global (Web News) On Thursday, authorities identified the person found dead inside the Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas as U.S. Army soldier Matthew Livelsberger, 37, from Colorado Springs.
The FBI stated it was unclear whether the explosion was an act of terrorism and noted there was no confirmed link to the New Orleans truck attack earlier that day, which claimed 15 lives.
Livelsberger, who was serving in the Army Special Operations Command, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound just before the explosion. The truck contained gasoline canisters and large firework mortars, which detonated, causing the blast. The FBI had to wait for DNA and medical records to confirm his identity, as the body was too badly burned.
Two semi-automatic handguns, legally purchased by Livelsberger on December 30, were found in the vehicle, along with military ID, a passport, an iPhone, and credit cards. Livelsberger was on approved leave at the time of his death.
Livelsberger had completed five combat deployments to Afghanistan and was awarded a Bronze Star and other military honors for valor. A relative described him as a dedicated soldier who admired President Trump for his support of the military.
Though Livelsberger had been a popular and happy student in his Ohio hometown, his family was shocked by the tragic events. They had no indication he would be involved in something like the Las Vegas explosion.
