The man who rented the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside President-elect Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas is an active-duty US Special Forces soldier, officials have confirmed.
Las Vegas police identified Matthew Alan Livelsperger, 37, of Colorado, as the renter of the vehicle that drove the Cybertruck from Colorado to Las Vegas.
They said they are fairly certain it is the same person found dead in the car after the explosion but are waiting for DNA evidence to confirm that.
The body was burned beyond recognition and was found with a gunshot wound to the head believed to be self-inflicted, according to Las Vegas Mayor Kevin McMahill.
The explosion injured seven people after the car filled with fuel cylinders and fire mortar shells exploded. Officials said all injuries were minor.
Authorities said they had not yet determined any motive.
“I'm comfortable describing it as a suicide bombing that occurred immediately afterward,” Las Vegas Mayor Kevin McMahill said during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Livelsberger rented a Cybertruck on December 28 in Denver, Colorado. He has decades of experience in the US military, having served in the Army and National Guard.
He entered active duty in the Army in December 2012, serving as a Special Operations Soldier.
The US Army said he was on approved leave at the time of his death.
Livelsberger's father spoke to CBS, the BBC's news partner, and said his son is currently serving in Germany and on leave to visit Colorado and see his wife and eight-month-old daughter.
Livelsberger's father said he last spoke to his son at Christmas and that everything seemed normal.
