The soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, was found dead in the wreckage of the New Year's Day explosion outside the Trump hotel.
Authorities in the United States are investigating the explosion of a Cybertruck in front of a Trump-branded hotel in Las Vegas has revealed new information about the motivation behind the explosion.
On Friday, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicated that the soldier behind the explosion appeared to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
“Although this incident is more public and sensitive than usual, it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a decorated combat veteran who was struggling with PTSD and other issues,” explained Spencer Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI. at a press conference.
The FBI said there was no evidence that the soldier, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsbergeranimation against President-elect Donald Trump, despite the circumstances and details of the explosion.
Cybertrucks are made by Tesla, the founding electric vehicle company Trump supporter Elon Musk.
A coroner's report indicates that Livelsberger died by suicide shortly before the explosion. His body was found in the remains of the Cybertruck, and a handgun was found at his feet.
The explosion sparked widespread speculation on New Year's Day, as the US intervened in a suspected “terrorist attack” in the city of New Orleans. they killed 14 victims.
Seven people suffered minor injuries when the rented Cybertruck blew up in the valet circle just outside the glass doors of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on the same day.
One person, later identified as Livelsberger, was found dead at the scene. The car was full of fireworks and fuel cans.
Friday's press conference coincided with the release of portions of Livelsberger's note, explaining his motivation for the explosion.
In the note, Livelsperger – a Green Beret in the army who served in Afghanistan and elsewhere – described feeling the need to “clear my mind” of “the burden of life that I had taken on”.
“This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call,” Livelsperger wrote. “Americans only care about spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than to play with fireworks and explosives.”
Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Livelsperger had served in the military in various capacities since 2006, and had received five Bronze Stars for his accomplishments.
He was on authorized duty leave when he gave up his life.
The suspect in the New Orleans attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbarhe was also an army soldier. He deliberately drove a rented Ford pick-up truck into a New Year's holiday crowd on Bourbon Street, before dying in a police chase.
No connection has been found between the two incidents, although investigators have said they are investigating all possible leads.
On Friday, Livelsperger's ex-girlfriend, nurse Alicia Arritt, told The Washington Post that the Green Beret suffered from deep guilt about his combat experiences.
She suspects his symptoms, which included memory fog, could be the result of a head injury or body trauma.
“He wanted more help,” Arritt told the Post in her interview. “I think it was even harder for him, being on active duty — the shame and the stigma.
A neighbor, Cindy Helwig, told The Associated Press that she remembered Livelsperger had recently come to her for a tool to fix his SUV.
“He was a normal guy,” she said.
