Green Beret Who Detonated Cybertruck in Las Vegas Was Experiencing Mental Health Crisis
The active-duty Green Beret who detonated a Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day 2025 was reportedly suffering a severe mental health crisis in the weeks leading up to the incident, according to a new report.
Matthew Livelsberger, 37, fatally shot himself inside the vehicle before it exploded, injuring six people. Investigators examining Livelsberger’s phone discovered messages indicating he was “caught up in some craziness” but insisted he had no intention of harming others. “As much as the [mainstream media] will paint me out to be some terrorist and monster, I had no intent on taking out anyone but myself if that happens. I am deeply sorry to anyone that gets hurt. I served my country for my entire adult life and I got caught up in some craziness and have outrun my headlights,” he wrote. Former Army nurse Alicia Arritt, who dated Livelsberger for two years, shared alarming text messages she received days before the explosion, stating, “I have been spiraling down the last week or so…sometimes I get so hopeless and depressed it’s ridiculous. By far the worst week of my life.”
The Army confirmed Livelsberger had access to and utilized a program offering comprehensive care to soldiers, but was not exhibiting concerning behavior when granted leave from his deployment in Germany. Despite this, law enforcement officials stated he had not previously been on their radar. “I’m not aware that he was ever on the radar of law enforcement previously,” Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill told investigators. “I would go so far as to say, from what I’ve been able to see of his military record, he’d be what you described as a military hero.” This incident highlights the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Clinical psychologist Chris Frueh explained that soldiers are often hesitant to seek mental health support due to fears it could jeopardize their deployment status. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. Authorities initially investigated a potential connection to a separate, deadly attack in New Orleans, but quickly determined the two incidents were unrelated after identifying Livelsberger through his ID found at the scene.
Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Livelsberger’s mental health and the events leading up to the explosion, while emphasizing the importance of resources for service members struggling with mental health.
