Deadly explosion hits Las Vegas Trump hotel

A deadly explosion occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck detonated, killing its driver and injuring seven others. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.

The driver was identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger, 37, an active duty  Army Special Forces intelligence sergeant who was serving in Germany but was on leave in Colorado. The Clark County Coroner confirmed that Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the vehicle exploded.

Law enforcement officials discovered gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars in the vehicle, which had been rented in Colorado. The explosion occurred approximately 15 seconds after the Cybertruck pulled up to the hotel's entrance. Multiple firearms, along with Livelsberger's military ID, passport, and credit cards were found in the vehicle.

FBI agent Jeremy Schwartz stated there's no immediate danger to the community, and Sheriff Kevin McMahill characterized it as an "isolated incident" unrelated to ISIS. The incident prompted the evacuation of the 64-story Trump hotel and increased security measures throughout Las Vegas.

The explosion coincidentally occurred hours after a separate deadly attack in New Orleans, where a driver intentionally crashed into crowds on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people. While both incidents involved military servicemen and vehicles rented through Turo, authorities have found no definitive connection between the attacks.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has recently become a major Trump donor and adviser, stated on social media that the explosion was caused by explosives in the vehicle's bed and was unrelated to the Cybertruck itself.

Federal agents are conducting related investigations at Livelsberger's Colorado Springs residence, though no evacuations have been ordered. His father reported their last communication on Christmas Day was normal, describing Livelsberger as a devoted father.