January 5th 2025.
The recent incident involving a US Army Green Beret exploding a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has shocked and saddened many. According to an ex-girlfriend and text messages she provided to CNN, the soldier responsible, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, had struggled with injuries from his military service and had expressed feelings of depression during their relationship a few years ago.
Livelsberger, who authorities say fatally shot himself before the truck exploded, had reached out to his ex-girlfriend Alicia Arritt in late December after two years of no contact. He even shared photos of the Cybertruck he had rented, enthusiastically calling it "the s---" and comparing it to Batman and Halo. However, Arritt had no indication that he was planning something like the incident that took place last Wednesday.
Livelsberger, who was on leave from his base in Germany at the time of the blast, had caused the explosion using a combination of fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel. Sadly, seven people were injured in the blast. The FBI's special agent in charge of the Las Vegas Division, Spencer Evans, described the incident as "a tragic case of suicide involving a decorated combat veteran who was struggling with PTSD and other issues."
According to Arritt, she had dated Livelsberger in 2018 and 2019, and then again from 2020 to 2022 after meeting on a dating app. She had been an Army nurse and had also worked at a traumatic brain injury unit at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in the past. Arritt shared that Livelsberger had suffered from concussions and had undergone back surgeries in 2018 and 2019 due to injuries sustained during his service. He had also expressed feelings of depression and pain in their text exchanges.
While they were dating, Livelsberger would often mention his struggles with depression and how it affected his daily life. However, Arritt admired his inner strength and determination to push through it. Livelsberger had been diagnosed with depression last year but was not deemed a risk of violence or suicide.
In their messages, Livelsberger had also touched upon his political grievances and domestic issues, which officials say may have contributed to his actions in Las Vegas. Two letters found on his cell phone in the truck revealed his thoughts, with one stating that the incident was intended as a "wake-up call." Another letter mentioned the possibility of using force to remove Democrats from the government and military.
Arritt expressed her guilt and regret for not being able to do something to prevent the tragic event from happening. She shared that Livelsberger had always been a selfless and dedicated soldier, always putting his teammates first and wanting to protect and support them.
As the investigation continues, those in need of support can reach out to Lifeline or beyond blue for assistance. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those who have served our country.
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