The United States authorities investigating the explosion of a Cybertruck in front of a Trump-brand hotel in Las Vegas have released new details about the motivation behind the blast.
On Friday, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that the soldier behind the explosion appeared to be suffering from a post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Spencer Evans, an FBI special agent in charge, had explained at a news conference;
“Although this incident is more public and more sensational than usual, it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a heavily decorated combat veteran who was struggling with PTSD and other issues.”
The FBI added there was no evidence the soldier, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, bore animus against President-elect Donald Trump, even though the car explosion occurred in the president-elect’s hotel.
Cybertrucks are manufactured by Tesla, the electric vehicle company founded by Trump supporter Elon Musk.
A coroner’s report has shown that Livelsberger had died of suicide not long after the explosion. His body was found in the charred remains of the Cybertruck, and a handgun was discovered by his feet.
The explosion had lead to widespread speculation on New Year’s Day, as the US grappled with a suspected “terrorism attack” in the city of New Orleans that killed 14 victims.
Seven people received minor injuries when the rented Cybertruck blew up in the valet circle just outside the glass doors of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on the same day.
Livelsperger, who is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, had served in the military in various roles since 2006, and he had received five Bronze Stars for his achievements.
He had been on an approved leave of duty when he took his life.
On the other hand, the suspect in the New Orleans attack, Shamsud-Don Jabber, was also a military veteran. He deliberately rammed a rented Ford pick-up truck into a New Year’s holiday crowd on Bourbon Street, before being gunned down in a shootout with police.
At this time, no connection has been found between the two incidents, although investigators have said they are exploring every possible lead.
