Introduction:

On January 1, 2025, a rented Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, injuring seven bystanders and sparking one of the most complex investigations in recent memory. The driver, Matthew Alan Livelsberger—a decorated Green Beret—left behind a trail of cryptic emails, an unusual cross-country journey, and allegations that touch on advanced military technology, war crimes, and national security secrets.

Livelsberger’s journey began in Denver and took him through Gallup, New Mexico—where he sent a chilling email to former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan. This email referenced gravitic propulsion systems, Chinese drones, and his involvement in controversial airstrikes in Afghanistan. Investigators believe something significant occurred between Gallup and Las Vegas, but what remains unclear.

As we piece together the timeline of events, this article explores Livelsberger’s military background, key evidence from his email communications, and the unanswered questions surrounding his actions. From his connection to Area 51 conspiracy theories to his appearance on a History Channel military reality show, the case raises unsettling implications about mental health in Special Forces and the hidden costs of war.

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Who Was Matthew Livelsberger?

Military Background

Matthew Alan Livelsberger was a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces soldier with nearly two decades of service. He enlisted in 2006 and became a Green Beret after completing the grueling Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). His career included five tours in Afghanistan and missions in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo.

Livelsberger’s awards included two Bronze Stars (one with valor), an Army Commendation Medal with valor, and a Combat Infantryman Badge—testaments to his courage under fire. He was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group (Germany) at the time of the incident but was on approved leave.

Personal Struggles: A Soldier’s Hidden Battles

Despite his professional accolades—he struggled with personal challenges that may have contributed to the events leading up to the explosion.

Reports from those close to him suggest he suffered from symptoms consistent with traumatic brain injury (TBI), including memory lapses and depression—conditions often seen among veterans exposed to repeated combat stress or concussive blasts. These struggles were compounded by recent marital disputes over suspected infidelity, which reportedly left Livelsberger emotionally strained in the weeks before his death.

Adding another layer of intrigue was his public appearance on a History Channel military reality competition show. This moment of national attention showcased his tactical skills but now feels like an unusual footnote in an otherwise serious narrative (see attached Inside Edition post).

Public Spotlight

Adding an unusual dimension to his profile was Livelsberger’s appearance on a History Channel military reality TV competition. This public moment showcased his tactical skills but now serves as an eerie reminder of his competitive spirit before his life unraveled

The Puzzle of His Training and Operations

Livelsberger’s career as a Green Beret placed him at the forefront of some of the most complex military missions in modern history. His training included advanced courses that equipped him for unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and foreign internal defense. These skills were honed through programs like:

• Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC): A rigorous pipeline that included Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, as well as Advanced Special Operations Techniques (ASOT), preparing operators for missions in denied or politically sensitive areas.

• Civil Affairs Integration: Livelsberger likely worked in environments where military operations intersected with governance and civil networks—critical for missions in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Livelsberger’s operational history also included deployments to Afghanistan, where he participated in joint operations with allied forces. One notable mission involved targeting airstrikes in Nimruz Province in 2019—a campaign that reportedly resulted in over 125 buildings being struck and significant civilian casualties (CIVCAS). In his email to Shawn Ryan, Livelsberger alleged that these casualties were covered up by U.S. officials, including the Department of Defense (DoD), DEA, and CIA.

“I conducted targeting for these strikes… 65 were struck because of CIVCAS that killed hundreds of civilians in a single day… The UN basically called these war crimes, but the administration made them disappear.”

This accusation aligns with reports from human rights organizations like UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan), which condemned several U.S.-led airstrikes during that period as unlawful due to civilian deaths.

The Journey: A Trail of Clues

Gallup, New Mexico: The Email That Changed Everything

On December 31 at 10:42 AM EST (8:42 AM MT), Livelsberger sent an email to Shawn Ryan from Gallup, New Mexico—a key waypoint on his cross-country journey. The email was sent via ProtonMail, an encrypted platform often used by individuals concerned about surveillance. Any member of the Special Operations community has experience with this type of application for sending mail.

The email contained several alarming claims:

• Gravitic Propulsion Systems: Livelsberger alleged that both China and the U.S. had developed advanced drones powered by gravitic propulsion systems capable of unparalleled stealth and payload capacity. He described these drones as “the most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed.”

• China’s Strategic Intent: He claimed China had been launching these drones from submarines along the East Coast for years but noted that such activity had recently intensified. He compared these operations to the infamous Chinese spy balloon incident off South Carolina’s coast in 2023.

• CIVCAS Allegations: Livelsberger accused U.S. officials of covering up civilian casualties during airstrikes in Nimruz Province, Afghanistan (2019). He claimed these strikes targeted over 125 buildings and resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths—allegations that align with reports from human rights organizations like UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan).

“These unmanned AC aircraft are the most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed… They can park it over the WH White House if they wanted.”

Livelsberger also expressed fear of being followed by federal agents from Homeland Security or the FBI. He stated they were unlikely to let him cross into Mexico due to his possession of what he described as a “massive VBIED” (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device).

The Missing Hours Between Gallup and Las Vegas

From Gallup to Las Vegas spans roughly 500 miles—a stretch investigators believe holds critical answers to Livelsberger’s actions. Charging station logs confirm he stopped multiple times along this route, but what transpired during these hours remains unclear. Did he meet someone? Was he intercepted or surveilled? Or did something occur that altered his plans?

The map attached from a social media account (@IN2THINAIR) on X posted this gap as a potential turning point in the case.

January 1: The Explosion at Trump International Hotel

Arrival at Trump International Hotel

At approximately 8:39 AM PST on New Year’s Day, Livelsberger parked his Cybertruck outside the valet area of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Seventeen seconds later, an explosion erupted from the vehicle—a crude device constructed with fireworks-style mortars and gasoline canisters. Despite Livelsberger’s extensive military training, investigators described the device as unsophisticated.

Fatal Outcome

Livelsberger was found deceased inside the vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound moments before the explosion. Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries; damage to the hotel was minimal—a fact that has left many questioning whether this act was intended as a large-scale attack or something else entirely.

Key Evidence: Oddities in the Email

Several details in Livelsberger’s email have raised questions about its authenticity or intent:

1. Signal Safety Number Change: On December 29—two days before sending this email—Livelsberger’s Signal safety number changed. This suggests his communications may have been compromised or manipulated after this date.

2. Encrypted Platform Use: The use of ProtonMail indicates Livelsberger may have been concerned about surveillance or interception.

The Email: A Cryptic Manifesto

In his email to Shawn Ryan—sent through ProtonMail—Livelsberger made several alarming claims:

- He alleged that both China and the U.S. had developed advanced drones powered by “Gravitic Propulsion Systems,” capable of unparalleled stealth and payload capacity.

- He claimed these drones were being tested at Area 51 (Groom Lake), echoing conspiracy theories popularized by figures like Bob Lazar on Joe Rogan’s podcast.

- He accused U.S. officials of covering up civilian casualties during airstrikes in Nimruz Province, Afghanistan (2019), which he described as war crimes involving over 125 buildings hit and hundreds killed due to CIVCAS (civilian casualties).

> *“These unmanned AC [aircraft] are the most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed… They basically have an unlimited payload capacity and can park it over the WH [White House] if they wanted.”*

Livelsberger also mentioned being followed by federal agents for over a week and claimed they were unlikely to let him cross into Mexico due to his possession of what he described as a “massive VBIED” (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device).

Key Evidence: Oddities in the Email

Several details in Livelsberger’s email have raised questions about its authenticity or intent:

1. Signal Safety Number Change: On December 29—two days before sending this email—Livelsberger’s Signal safety number changed. This suggests his communications may have been compromised or manipulated after this date.

2. Encrypted Platform Use: The use of ProtonMail indicates Livelsberger may have been concerned about surveillance or interception.

3. Timing: The email was sent just over 26 hours before the explosion occurred—a timeframe investigators consider critical for understanding his motives.

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Implications: What Does This Mean?

Mental Health in Special Forces

Livelsberger’s struggles highlight systemic issues within Special Operations communities regarding mental health support for veterans dealing with trauma or moral dilemmas. USASOC provides sufficient services for each active group in the regiment, but there is more going on.

National Security Transparency

His claims about gravitic propulsion systems demand scrutiny—even if they seem speculative—given their alignment with long-standing theories about advanced military technologies.

The Human Cost of War

From Afghanistan to Las Vegas, this incident reflects how combat experiences can leave lasting scars—both for individuals like Livelsberger and for society as a whole.

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Conclusion: A Case That Defies Easy Answers

As we piece together Matthew Livelsberger’s story—from his decorated military career to his cryptic final email—the case remains an enigma wrapped in unanswered questions. What happened between Gallup and Las Vegas? Were his claims about gravitic propulsion systems credible? And why did he choose Trump International Hotel as the site for his final act?

For now, we are left with fragments—a trail of evidence that feels incomplete yet tantalizingly close to revealing deeper truths about mental health in all of Special Operations, government transparency (of which we are in short supply), and the hidden costs of war.