Trump's Turkey Airport Bombing: Who Ordered It?

In January 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders. The driver, 37-year-old Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Livelsberger, is believed to have detonated a homemade bomb, though investigators are unsure why he didn't maximise the potential destruction. Livelsberger had previously served at the same military base as Shamsud Din Jabbar, who perpetrated a terrorist attack in New Orleans on the same day. While there is no confirmed link between the two incidents, police are investigating a potential connection.

Who was the perpetrator?

The perpetrator of the bombing outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas was 37-year-old Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Livelsberger. He rented a Tesla Cybertruck, packed it with gas canisters and fireworks, and detonated it outside the hotel, killing himself and injuring several bystanders.

Livelsberger had a military background and had served in the Army since 2006, with deployments in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and the Republic of the Congo. He had also received multiple decorations during his time in the Army, including five bronze stars, one of which was for courage under fire.

In the days leading up to the bombing, Livelsberger rented the truck, purchased two guns, and texted multiple ex-girlfriends. He was described as a Trump supporter by people who knew him, and a relative told ABC News that Livelsberger believed Trump "was a soldier's best friend."

Notes found on Livelsberger's phone indicated that he planned the bombing as a suicide mission to draw attention to himself and his complaints about weak leadership in America. He also mentioned the loss of brothers in arms and the burden of the lives he had taken.

The FBI special agent in charge, Spencer Evans, stated that Livelsberger likely suffered from PTSD and that family issues may have contributed to his actions.

What was the motive?

The motive behind the bombing of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas remains unclear, but officials have found notes on the bomber's phone indicating that he planned the suicide bombing to draw attention to himself and his complaints. In one of the notes, 37-year-old Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Livelsberger said it was time for Americans to "wake up" and that the nation is being led by "weak leadership only interested in themselves". He also mentioned that he needed to "cleanse his mind of the brothers I've lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took".

Livelsberger, who shot himself in the head before detonating the explosives-filled Tesla Cybertruck, is believed to have suffered from PTSD and family issues, which may have contributed to his decision to carry out the attack. In addition, he is reported to have had relationship problems, leaving the home he shared with his second wife after an argument over infidelity.

While the attack does not appear to have been directed at the President-elect, Donald Trump, specifically, it is worth noting that Livelsberger considered other locations for his act, including the U.S.-Mexico border and the Grand Canyon. Furthermore, multiple people who knew him described Livelsberger as a Trump supporter, and a relative stated that he believed Trump "was a soldier's best friend".

The investigation into the exact motive behind the bombing of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas is still ongoing, and officials have not ruled out any possibilities.

Why did it happen at a Trump hotel?

It is not yet clear why the bomber, 37-year-old Army Special Forces soldier Matthew Livelsberger, chose to detonate a bomb at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. However, several sources have described him as a Trump supporter, and a relative told ABC News that Livelsberger said that Trump “was a soldier’s best friend.”. In a press conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans stated that Livelsberger "held no animosity toward the president-elect".

Livelsberger is suspected of renting the Tesla Cybertruck in Colorado Springs and driving it to Nevada on the morning of the explosion. The choice of vehicle may have been influenced by Livelsberger's text to an ex-girlfriend, in which he said: "It’s the shit. I feel like Batman or Halo." However, investigators have not yet determined why he rented that specific vehicle.

In notes found on his phone, Livelsberger indicated that he planned the bombing to draw attention to himself and his complaints, stating that it was time for Americans to "wake up" and that the nation is being led by "weak leadership only interested in themselves". He also considered other locations for his act, including the U.S.-Mexico border and the Grand Canyon.

Why did he use a Tesla Cybertruck?

There are several reasons why the bomber, Matthew Livelsberger, chose to use a Tesla Cybertruck for his attack. Firstly, the vehicle's design may have been a factor. Livelsberger texted an ex-girlfriend about the Cybertruck, saying, "It's the shit. I feel like Batman or Halo." The unique, futuristic design of the Cybertruck may have appealed to Livelsberger's desire to make a statement or create a spectacle.

Secondly, the choice of a Tesla vehicle could be linked to its association with Elon Musk, who had recently been named by then-President-elect Donald Trump to co-lead a presidential advisory commission. There was speculation that Livelsberger may have chosen a Tesla car to send a message to Trump, given the connection between Musk and the President-elect.

Additionally, the Cybertruck's large size and sturdy construction may have been a practical consideration. The truck was able to contain the explosion and direct the blast upwards, preventing more serious damage to the hotel and potentially saving lives. This factor was acknowledged by both authorities and Elon Musk himself, who credited the truck's design for mitigating the impact of the blast.

Lastly, the availability and accessibility of the Cybertruck through the car-sharing app Turo could have played a role in Livelsberger's decision. He rented the vehicle through the app and drove it from Colorado Springs to Las Vegas, suggesting convenience and ease of access as possible factors in his choice of vehicle.

Why did he use a car bomb?

There are several reasons why Matthew Livelsberger used a car bomb in his attack on the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Firstly, the car, a Tesla Cybertruck, was rented, which allowed him to conceal his identity and avoid suspicion prior to the attack. Secondly, the Cybertruck's large size provided ample space for the explosives, gas canisters, and fireworks that he intended to use in the attack. Additionally, the specific choice of a Tesla Cybertruck may have been influenced by the fact that its owner, Elon Musk, had recently formed a close relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, potentially sending a political message.

Furthermore, the design of the Cybertruck may have been a factor. According to Elon Musk, the truck's structure helped to contain and direct the blast upwards, which limited the damage caused to the hotel. This suggests that Livelsberger may have chosen the Cybertruck due to a belief that it would enhance the visual impact of the explosion while minimizing the potential for harm or destruction. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that the bomb was not constructed with typical car bomb elements, such as packed-in shrapnel, and instead relied on consumer-grade fireworks and store-bought gas canisters.

Livelsberger's background as an Army Special Forces soldier with explosives training also comes into question. Despite his expertise, the bomb's level of sophistication was reportedly lower than expected for an individual with his military experience. This suggests that he may have intentionally opted for a less complex bomb design to achieve a specific effect or to avoid raising suspicion during the planning stages of the attack.

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