Man who blew up Tesla in Las Vegas had drugs in system, coroner says

The U.S. Army veteran who used a rented Tesla Cybertruck to detonate explosives outside of the Trump International in Las Vegas on New Years Day had a documented history of mental health issues, including suicidal ideations and PTSD, according to a coroner’s report released Monday.

The death of Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was ruled a suicide from an intraoral gunshot wound, according to a copy of the 21-page report from the Clark County coroner’s office. Livelsberger’s toxicology report stated he tested positive for THC, the intoxicating compound found in cannabis, as well as the antidepressant known as Prozac.

Police shortly after the Jan. 1 explosion said they believed that Livelsberger, a Green Beret, had killed himself with a handgun just seconds before the explosion, which authorities said was caused by fireworks, camping fuel and other incendiaries. The blast ultimately left seven other people injured.

Livelsberger had been stationed in Germany and was on leave from the Army when he rented the Cybertruck in Denver on Dec. 28 using the smartphone app Turo. Livelsberger then drove to Las Vegas over the following days after stops in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

Livelsberger’s wife, identified as Jennifer Davis, told authorities he was being treated for his post-traumatic stress disorder while he was stationed in Germany, while his medical records noted previous suicidal ideations but no known suicide attempts.

Outside observers speculated about a potential political motive given that Livelsberger detonated the Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel using a vehicle made by Tesla — an all-electric automaker helmed by billionaire Elon Musk, who was closely aligned with Trump during the 2024 election.

A suicide note left by Livelsberger had expressed personal and political grievances but held “no animosity” toward Trump, according to the Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement.

Livelsberger acted alone but used generative artificial intelligence to help plan the attack, police said. He reportedly wrote in his suicide note that his death was a wake-up call.

“This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up call,” a portion of Livelsberger’s note states, according to police. “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.”

If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line is a free, national service available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.

Contact Casey Harrison at charrison@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Casey_Harrison1 on X. or @casey-harrison.bsky.social on Bluesky.