Explosion Suspect Identified as Special Forces Soldier

Alcides Antunes via AP

Investigators have identified the individual who died inside a Tesla Cybertruck filled with explosives that blew up on Jan. 1 outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas as a highly decorated, active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces soldier. 

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill identified the deceased suspect as Matthew Livelsberger, whom he described as an Army Special Forces Green Beret who served as an operations sergeant attached to the 10th Special Forces Group.

Livelsberger had been awarded two Bronze Stars during his service, including one with a valor device for courage under fire. He also received a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.

Livelsberger spent most of his time between Germany and Colorado. The 10th Special Forces Group is garrisoned at Fort Carson, Colorado.

The FBI has not uncovered any links between a truck explosion outside President-elect Donald Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas that injured a half dozen and killed one and a deadly terror attack in New Orleans that left at least 14 people dead. 

The FBI believes the suspect who killed more than a dozen people by driving a truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans acted alone to carry out an “evil act” of terror.

Family and friends have begun identifying the victims of the New Orleans attack.