Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, the Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neurolink. I'm your host, Will Walden. This episode contains some sensitive subject matter, so please be advised. So what drives a decorated soldier to turn against the country he once served? And how did a rented Tesla cyber truck become the stage for a fiery spectacle outside a Las Vegas hotel? Now?
What personal writings of Matthew Ellen Livelsberger reveal about his state of mind in the days leading up to the
explosion? These are the questions that were piercing together following the New Year's event at the Trump International Hotel. Now, on January 1st, a Tesla cyber truck erupted in flames at the entrance of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, killing its driver, 37 year old Army veteran Matthew Livolsberger. Assistant Sheriff Dory Corin of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Livolsberger had left behind a digital diary on his phone
offering insight into his motivations and his mental state. Now, according to Kren, the ratings were stark and critical of US leadership, describing the country as terminally ill and headed toward collapse. In one of the letters found on his phone, Livolsberger addressed Americans directly, urging them to wake up and accusing the nation's leaders of self-serving behavior. He said this was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up call.
He justified the explosion as a necessary quote stunt with fireworks and explosives to capture attention, claiming that Americans only respond to dramatic events. He also reflected on personal burdens, including the deaths of fellow soldiers and his own role in combat now. Corinne emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, with authorities still combing through the evidence on
Livolsberger's phone. However, investigators have yet to access a second phone found in the vehicle, which may contain further details. So we have Spencer Evans, who's a special agent in charge of the FB is Las Vegas division, saying that Livolsberger likely suffered from PTSD, Post traumatic Stress Disorder, compounded by personal grievances and also family issues.
Evans stressed that while Livolsberger's writings were alarming, there was no evidence of animosity toward president-elect Donald Trump, whose hotel became the scene of the explosion. Libelsberger's deteriorating mental health and sense of disillusionment appeared to have reached a breaking point. Despite his decorated military service, which included deployments of Afghanistan, Ukraine and Africa, those close to him revealed signs of
struggle. Alicia Aron, a former girlfriend, described him as a proud soldier who battled chronic pain and concealed his struggles from superiors. Authorities confirmed Libelsburger's identity through a combination of DNA analysis and tattoo recognition. The tattoos, including a recently added triple Crescent symbol near his elbow, were instrumental in identifying his body, which had been badly burned in the explosion.
The Clark County Coroner determined that Livelsberger died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, indicating he may have planned his actions as a final statement. Livelsberger was on approved military leave at the time of the incident. He rented the cyber truck in Colorado, drove it to Vegas, loading the vehicle with fireworks and gasoline that ultimately caused the explosion.
Now, while the Las Vegas explosion drew median attention, authorities have ruled out connections to a separate attack in New Orleans on the same day that killed 14 people on Bourbon Street. Evans stated that any similarities between the incidents, such as both suspects renting vehicles from the same company, were just a coincidence. Now Levels Burger social media activity painted a picture of a man deeply engaged in political
discourse. Fellow soldiers described his post as patriotic and pro military, but noted that his views sometimes cause friction within his ranks. Said it posted a lot of political messages on social media that made some of us uncomfortable, 1 soldier remarked. And despite his strong opinions, Livelsberger was remembered as a dedicated teammate and a
patriotic soldier. Two soldiers who served with him in recent years expressed shock at his actions, describing him as someone who was not prone to violence. Now, Livosberger's nearly two decade military career included service in the National Guard, Army Reserve and active duty
army. He deployed to several conflict zones, including Afghanistan, where he completed multiple tours between 2017 and 2019. He also served in Ukraine and the Republic of the Congo, and he has a varied but demanding career because of it. His personal life, though, appeared tumultuous. Public records reveal a divorce in 2018 and a marriage in 2022. In a recent years, the Wolsberger welcomed a new child, as evidenced by social media photos of him and his partner cradling a newborn.
Now outside of his military service, Libelsberger's unlike presence was sparse but revealing. He documented travels to destinations like Thailand, Italy and Puerto Rico, contributing photos and reviews on platform like TripAdvisor and Google Maps. These glimpses into his personal life contrast sharply with the violent act that marked his final days. And as investigators continue to unravel motives behind his actions, his writings offer a troubling insight into his state
of mind. His call for Americans to pay attention through violence raises uncomfortable questions about how society addresses mental health, especially amongst veterans. Louisville Stories Louisville's Burger's story is a complex tapestry of patriotism, disillusionment, and unresolved pain for those who serve alongside him and those left behind to grapple with his actions. The shock waves of his final act are likely to linger long after the hysical damage has been
repaired. Hey, thank you so much for listening today. I really do appreciate your support. If you could take a second and hit this subscribe or the follow button on whatever podcast platform that you're listening on right now, I greatly appreciate it. It helps out the show tremendously and you'll never miss an episode. And each episode is about 10 minutes or less to get you
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