Mental health program used by soldier who caused cybertruck to explode in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (KSNV) — The decorated U.S. Army soldier accused of causing a Cybertruck to explode at the entrance to a Las Vegas hotel was seeking help through a military program and likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to an Army spokesman.

Mateusz LivelsbergerA 37-year-old resident of Colorado Springs rented a car manufactured by Tesla and drove it from Colorado to Las Vegas. Police say he detonated it at the entrance to the Trump International Hotel around 8:40 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Investigators said Livelsberger likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was struggling with other personal problems.

Over the weekend, an Army spokesman shared a statement with News 3.

It said the U.S. Special Operations Command has established the Protection of Forces and Family (POTFF) program, which “provides holistic care with physical, cognitive, medical and support resources appropriate for each individual.”

The spokesman said Livelsberger “had access to and used the POTFF program; he did not display any disturbing behavior at the time and was granted personal leave.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans last spoke to reporters Friday about the case, which came hours after the deadly act of terror in New Orleans.

So far, Evans said investigators have found no connection between Livelsberger, the New Orleans attacker, or any other terrorist groups.

He also said Livelsberger he harbored no hostility toward President-elect Donald Trump.

“While this incident is more public and more sensational than usual, it ultimately appears to have been a tragic case of suicide involving a highly decorated combat veteran who was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other issues,” Evans said.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office determined that Livelsberger died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and ruled his death a suicide. According to Army media reports, he was an active-duty soldier assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and on approved leave from the 10th Special Forces Group in Stuttgart, Germany.

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill and Undersheriff Dori Koren said they began combing through the phone recovered from the vehicle and found an “activity log” documenting Livelsberger’s movements before the attack. They issued two letters, one of which seemed to explain the reasons for triggering the explosion:

“It wasn’t a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call. Americans only pay attention to glasses and violence. What better way to convey my thoughts than with a stunt involving fireworks and explosives?”

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Seven people reported minor injuries after the explosion. Two people were taken to hospital and have since been discharged.

Kenny Cooper, special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said he is still investigating how the explosion occurred with the help of experts from the National Response Team.

McMahill said they believe Livelsberger’s suicide occurred simultaneously with the detonation.

“It’s very difficult to see inside these Teslas, even with the camera angle we have, so we still have a challenge to get the exact moment in all of this,” McMahill said.

Investigators still need to gain access to another phone and computer.