Matthew Livelsberger, a Green Beret and five-time Bronze Star recipient, died in a Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion on Friday, prompting federal investigations into potential links to a deadly New Orleans attack.

The explosion killed Livelsberger and injured seven others, raising alarms as it was accompanied by disturbing evidence, including gasoline and fireworks found in the vehicle. Authorities are scrutinizing connections between this incident and a New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, both involving rented vehicles from Turo, as they piece together Livelsberger's motive and mental state prior to the tragedy.

Matthew Livelsberger was an active-duty member of the Army’s elite Special Forces, serving in that capacity for nearly 20 years. During his distinguished career, he undertook numerous combat deployments, primarily during peak U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. His commitment to service was marked by his rank of Army Special Forces operations master sergeant, a senior enlisted position, and recognition as a five-time recipient of the Bronze Star.

The explosion took place around 8:40 a.m. PT on Las Vegas Boulevard, where the Cybertruck had been driven multiple times. Eyewitnesses described the moment of the explosion as chaotic, with the vehicle suddenly detonating in a public area, raising immediate concerns for nearby pedestrians and drivers.

In the aftermath of the explosion, police conducted a thorough investigation of the Cybertruck, discovering gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and firework mortars in the vehicle's storage space.

Despite the explosive chaos, reports indicated that Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the explosives detonated. This revelation has prompted law enforcement officials to examine Livelsberger's personal history.

President Biden announced that federal authorities are actively investigating potential connections between the Las Vegas incident and a separate, deadly attack that occurred in New Orleans on New Year's Day. This has intensified scrutiny on the shared characteristics of both events, notably that both involved rented vehicles from the peer-to-peer car rental service Turo.

As part of the ongoing investigations, the FBI is employing their joint terrorism task force to analyze the circumstances surrounding the explosion in Las Vegas. This escalation suggests that the authorities are taking the matter seriously and are exploring broader implications beyond the immediate incident.

Livelsberger's actions have raised questions, particularly concerning his mental state leading up to the tragedy. Family and friends described him as well-adjusted and reported that he did not outwardly display signs of distress or struggle. Investigators are delving into Livelsberger's social media and communications for potential clues regarding his state of mind before the incident, hoping to uncover any factors that could explain his behavior.

The response from the community and officials has highlighted the tragic nature of Livelsberger's death. Livelsberger was an active-duty member of the Army’s elite Special Forces, specifically a Green Beret, and held the rank of Army Special Forces operations master sergeant. He was a five-time Bronze Star recipient. Many have remembered him for his strong love of country and his profound respect for military traditions throughout his nearly 20 years of service in the Army.

As the investigation unfolds, there remains a palpable tension regarding the possible motivations for Livelsberger's actions. Current information has not conclusively clarified why a highly decorated service member would engage in such a destructive event. The ongoing inquiries and the search for answers continue to captivate public interest as more details are revealed in both cases.

The tragic loss of Matthew Livelsberger raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, particularly as he was reported to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the vehicle's explosion. As authorities investigate possible motives behind Livelsberger's actions and any connections to other incidents, the legacy and service of individuals like Livelsberger must not be overlooked, shedding light on a complex and sensitive topic facing the military community today.