Authorities investigate Colorado Springs man behind Vegas Cybertruck explosion
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Police near the site of an explosion in Las Vegas on Jan. 1. Photo: Noble Brigham/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Federal and local law enforcement agencies are investigating Colorado Springs resident Matthew Alan Livelsberger, 37, as the suspect behind Wednesday's fatal Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas.
The latest: The body found inside the Cybertruck, believed to be Livelsberger, was "burned beyond recognition," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during a Thursday press briefing.
- A military ID and passport matching Livelsberger were found inside the vehicle, though authorities plan on using DNA and medical records to confirm the identity.
- The body recovered had a self-inflicted gunshot wound in its head sustained before the detonation, according to McMahill.
Zoom in: The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said they were continuing "law enforcement activity" at a Colorado Springs home along with local police, but did not elaborate in a statement from the FBI's Denver field office late Thursday morning.
- Federal authorities were on site Wednesday evening at a townhome listed under Livelsberger's name, KOAA reported.
- A spokesperson for the FBI's Denver field office declined further comment on Thursday.
What we're watching: Authorities are investigating a possible motive for the explosion in Las Vegas.
Catch up quick: Livelsberger died in the Wednesday explosion outside the Trump International Hotel, which wounded seven people, after driving to Nevada from Colorado.
- Authorities say the explosion was likely caused by a combination of fireworks, mortars and aerial shells inside the vehicle.
- The suspect had multiple Colorado Springs addresses previously registered under his name, records show.
- McMahill said Livelsberger rented the truck from the car-sharing app Turo in Denver on Dec. 28, driving through New Mexico and Arizona before arriving in Nevada.
Between the lines: No "definitive link" currently exists between the Las Vegas explosion and the deadly car attack in New Orleans earlier on New Year's Day, FBI deputy assistant director of counterintelligence Chris Raia said during a Thursday press briefing in New Orleans.
The intrigue: Livelsberger was an active-duty U.S. Army soldier, the military branch confirmed Thursday.
- A member of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Livelsberger had served in the Army since 2006, though he was on approved leave at the time of his death.
- Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the New Orleans attack, also served in the U.S. Army.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.