Army Ranger Matthew Livelsberger, 37, stunned his ex-girlfriend days before his death by texting her about renting a Tesla Cybertruck, claiming the futuristic vehicle made him feel like “Batman.”
The conversation, which seemed playful and lighthearted, took a dark turn when Livelsberger used the truck in a tragic explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day.
A Shocking Message Before the Blast
On December 29, days after leaving his Colorado Springs home following a heated argument with his wife over alleged infidelity, Livelsberger reached out to his ex-girlfriend, Alicia Arritt, via text. “I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. It’s the s–t,” he wrote, sharing photos and videos of the truck. Arritt, surprised to hear from him after their 2021 breakup, described their exchange as unexpected but friendly.
Livelsberger texted, “I feel like Batman or Halo,” referencing the superhero and video game franchise. He also shared updates about his life, including his work on military drones, but gave no indication of his explosive intentions.
A Troubled Home Life
Livelsberger’s wife confronted him on December 26 about his infidelity, leading to their separation. The couple shared a baby daughter, and the fallout from their argument reportedly prompted him to leave their home. Shortly afterward, he used the Turo app to rent the Tesla Cybertruck and began his journey to Las Vegas.
The Tragic Incident
On January 1, 2025, Livelsberger parked the Cybertruck, loaded with fireworks-style mortars and fuel canisters, in the valet area of the Trump Hotel. Moments later, he fatally shot himself in the head inside the vehicle, which erupted in flames. Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries from the explosion, but Livelsberger was the only fatality. His body, burned beyond recognition, was identified through his passport and Army ID found in the wreckage.
Investigators are exploring whether the attack was politically motivated due to its location at a Trump-owned hotel and the use of a vehicle produced by Elon Musk’s Tesla, a company closely associated with the President-elect.
A “Rambo-Type Patriot” with a Complex Legacy
Livelsberger, an active-duty Special Forces soldier, was described by acquaintances as a “Rambo-type patriot” and staunch Trump supporter. Friends and family are struggling to reconcile his actions with the man they knew. Arritt, who called him the “kindest man” she had ever met, said she couldn’t fathom why he would do such a thing.
“He once bought his sick mother a new home,” she recounted. “This doesn’t match the person I knew.”
Investigations Ongoing
The FBI is delving into Livelsberger’s motives, examining his recent separation, military background, and the possibility of political motives. Officials are also investigating whether he chose the Cybertruck to minimize civilian casualties due to its limited seating capacity.
As authorities piece together the events leading to the tragic explosion, those who knew Livelsberger are left with more questions than answers, grappling with the devastating impact of his final act.
