Tesla Cybertruck explosion leads to federal review

Las Vegas police have finished their probe into the Tesla Cybertruck blast outside Trump International Hotel and their final report leaves many things unclear. Federal authorities stepped in after local investigators found new evidence and classified parts of the case.​

On January 1, 2025, Matthew Livelsberger, who worked in Special Forces, drove a rented Cybertruck to the hotel. He filled the vehicle with fireworks, gas cans, and camping fuel. Video showed him pouring chemicals into the truck bed minutes before it exploded. Livelsberger died by suicide before the blast. Seven people nearby were hurt, but all survived. Firefighters arrived quickly and stopped the flames within an hour.​

Manifesto remains secret

Livelsberger left a digital manifesto on his phone. The Department of War reviewed and classified it, giving federal officials control over the investigation. Recent findings suggest Livelsberger used the explosion as a message, not as an act of terror. In his notes, he wrote, “Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives.” He blamed what he saw as weak leadership in the country.​

Federal officials and police called the blast a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack. Still, they have not called it terrorism. Investigators reviewed Livelsberger’s phone, bank records, and security footage to trace his actions before he arrived in Las Vegas.​

Cybertruck’s structure limited the damage

Tesla CEO Elon Musk spoke out after the incident and confirmed that the vehicle performed as designed and Telemetry ruled out mechanical faults. The explosion started from what Musk called large fireworks or a bomb placed in the bed. Tesla’s team helped police review vehicle data and charging history.​

Officials say the shape and steel build of the Cybertruck limited the damage. The explosion went upwards. Doors and windows at the hotel entrance stayed intact. The battery did not catch fire, which surprised many experts who studied electric vehicle safety. The hotel was evacuated and guests moved to different places as a precaution.​

Federal authorities take charge

The federal government now leads the investigation. Officials classified Livelsberger’s manifesto and continue reviewing data found on his devices. Police noted they are still sorting through new evidence. There are still open questions about Livelsberger’s choice of target and the message he wanted to send.​

Months after the blast, the damaged Cybertruck appeared on an auction website. It was not ready for sale. Some Tesla owners and fans ask why the company did not recover the vehicle. People suggest it could stand as proof of the Cybertruck’s strength, even under extreme conditions.​

Las Vegas police found areas where training could get better. Staff need more information on handling electric vehicle fires. Crews did a good job using drones and digital forensics to follow Livelsberger’s tracks across states and reconstruct the timeline. Their report urges better plans for future cases that involve new technology or vehicles.​

Questions remain

Key parts of Livelsberger’s motive and his manifesto are undisclosed. Federal agents and local police still haven’t released a clear reason for the attack. The answers may come later, as authorities continue to review files and data from Livelsberger’s devices.