In the early hours of January 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, claiming the life of its occupant, 37-year-old U.S. Army Green Beret Matthew Alan Livelsberger. In the days following this tragic event, a manifesto allegedly authored by Livelsberger has surfaced, shedding light on his state of mind and the motivations behind his actions.
As I begin to write this, I feel like I’m about to lay down a minefield. There are more questions than answers here. Numerous people will take issue with what I have to say, and that’s fine. There will be tons of speculation and a little second-guessing. My mission here is to present to you the information I have at the time of writing in as neutral a way as possible and let you draw your own conclusions on what you read.
I look forward to some lively discussion in the comments.
Here we go.
The Manifesto’s Emergence
The manifesto attributed to Matthew Livelsberger has surfaced through multiple channels, providing insights into his thoughts and motivations. Police recovered writings from a phone found in the remains of the destroyed Cybertruck, which they believe to be letters left by Livelsberger. Additionally, a day before the incident, he reportedly sent an email containing a manifesto to Sam Shoemate, a retired Army intelligence officer. Following these discoveries, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department publicly discussed two letters during a press briefing.
The content of these writings reveals a mix of personal and political grievances. Livelsberger described the incident not as a terrorist attack but as a “wake-up call,” expressing deep concerns about advanced “gravitic” technology and its potential to escalate global tensions, possibly leading to World War III. He also criticized U.S. government leadership, calling them “weak,” and reflected on the emotional toll of losing comrades and the burden of lives taken during his military service.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating the authenticity of these writings. While the FBI has found strong evidence suggesting that Livelsberger authored the circulating manifesto, they have not yet confirmed this conclusively. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the motivations behind this tragic event.
Sam Shoemate on The Shawn Ryan Show
Shoemate appeared yesterday on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast to discuss an email he allegedly received from Matthew Livelsberger, the individual linked to the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion. The podcast episode, titled“#155 Sam Shoemate – Cybertruck Bomber Matt Livelsberger’s Email Reveals NEW Evidence,” was released on January 3, 2025, just days after the incident.
In the early hours of January 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, claiming the life of its occupant, 37-year-old U.S. Army Green Beret Matthew Alan Livelsberger. In the days following this tragic event, a manifesto allegedly authored by Livelsberger has surfaced, shedding light on his state of mind and the motivations behind his actions.
As I begin to write this, I feel like I’m about to lay down a minefield. There are more questions than answers here. Numerous people will take issue with what I have to say, and that’s fine. There will be tons of speculation and a little second-guessing. My mission here is to present to you the information I have at the time of writing in as neutral a way as possible and let you draw your own conclusions on what you read.
I look forward to some lively discussion in the comments.
Here we go.
The Manifesto’s Emergence
The manifesto attributed to Matthew Livelsberger has surfaced through multiple channels, providing insights into his thoughts and motivations. Police recovered writings from a phone found in the remains of the destroyed Cybertruck, which they believe to be letters left by Livelsberger. Additionally, a day before the incident, he reportedly sent an email containing a manifesto to Sam Shoemate, a retired Army intelligence officer. Following these discoveries, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department publicly discussed two letters during a press briefing.
The content of these writings reveals a mix of personal and political grievances. Livelsberger described the incident not as a terrorist attack but as a “wake-up call,” expressing deep concerns about advanced “gravitic” technology and its potential to escalate global tensions, possibly leading to World War III. He also criticized U.S. government leadership, calling them “weak,” and reflected on the emotional toll of losing comrades and the burden of lives taken during his military service.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating the authenticity of these writings. While the FBI has found strong evidence suggesting that Livelsberger authored the circulating manifesto, they have not yet confirmed this conclusively. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the motivations behind this tragic event.
Sam Shoemate on The Shawn Ryan Show
Shoemate appeared yesterday on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast to discuss an email he allegedly received from Matthew Livelsberger, the individual linked to the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion. The podcast episode, titled“#155 Sam Shoemate – Cybertruck Bomber Matt Livelsberger’s Email Reveals NEW Evidence,” was released on January 3, 2025, just days after the incident.
According to Shoemate, the email arrived in his inbox on December 31, 2024, a day before the explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The email contained alarming claims, including allegations that recent drone sightings along the U.S. East Coast were tied to advanced technology using “gravitic propulsion systems.” Livelsberger described these drones, which were reportedly spotted over New Jersey, as originating from China and labeled them as a severe threat to national security.
In the email, Livelsberger also accused the U.S. government of covering up a sophisticated drone operation and referenced a purported cover-up involving a 2019 airstrike in Afghanistan. Shoemate took the allegations seriously and contacted the FBI the morning after the explosion to share the email’s contents.
During the podcast, Shoemate explained his decision to discuss the email on The Shawn Ryan Show. He believed the platform could handle the gravity of the information impartially and provide a space for meaningful discussion. Ryan described the episode’s revelations as “astounding” and predicted they would spark numerous questions. Following the episode’s release, Ryan announced on social media that he would be taking a brief hiatus with his family, citing the overwhelming nature of the information shared.
Both Shoemate and Ryan emphasized that the assertions in Livelsberger’s email have not yet been verified. However, they expressed their commitment to further investigation and transparency regarding the information. The revelations have left many intrigued and awaiting additional developments as the investigation continues.
Allegations of Advanced Military Technologies
Livelsberger’s alleged manifesto made bold claims about advanced military technologies that he believed posed significant threats to national security. He asserted that both the U.S. and China possess “gravitic propulsion systems,” enabling high-speed, unmanned aircraft with stealth capabilities and “essentially unlimited payload capacity.” Livelsberger described these systems as “the most dangerous threat to national security that ever existed.”
The manifesto suggested that recent drone sightings along the East Coast were not conventional aircraft but instead, these advanced gravitic propulsion drones allegedly deployed by China. He claimed China was launching these drones from submarines stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, allowing them to operate undetected over strategic locations like the White House. Livelsberger compared these technologies to the Chinese spy balloon incident of 2023, asserting they were being used for both intelligence gathering and as a show of power.
Livelsberger urged the U.S. government to disclose information about this technology, its potential weaponization, and China’s utilization of it. He warned that China was “ready to strike anywhere along the East Coast” using these advanced systems. However, it is essential to note that these claims remain unverified.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have previously stated there is no evidence linking drone sightings to national security threats or foreign involvement. Authorities continue to investigate the manifesto and its allegations.
Accusations of War Crimes Cover-Up
The Livelsberger manifesto and email included serious accusations of war crimes and cover-ups related to U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. He claimed involvement in a 2019 airstrike in Nimruz Province, Afghanistan, where U.S. forces targeted over 125 buildings. According to Livelsberger, 65 of these were struck despite clear evidence of civilian presence, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths in a single day.
Livelsberger alleged that the strikes continued even after initial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations revealed civilian activity in the targeted areas. He further accused multiple agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the CIA, of working to conceal the extent of these incidents. Livelsberger claimed he participated in the cover-up alongside U.S. forces and DEA agents.
These allegations echo findings from a 2019 United Nations report that condemned similar strikes in Afghanistan as unlawful. The U.N. report detailed U.S. airstrikes in May 2019 that targeted alleged drug-processing facilities, which resulted in the deaths of more than 30 civilians, including children.
Livelsberger stated that his role in these events and the subsequent efforts to hide the truth deeply impacted him and ultimately motivated him to come forward. However, it’s important to note that these claims have not been independently verified, and authorities are still investigating the authenticity and content of Livelsberger’s writings. The investigation continues to unfold, leaving questions about the validity of these accusations.
Video of Kennedy and Livelsberger on The Ultimate Soldier Challenge
Tim Kennedy and Matt Livelsberger appeared on a reality TV show on The History Channel about 12 years ago. In this video, Kennedy discusses the experience. This is not to imply any current connection between the two men. It is shown here because Kennedy offers his insights into what Livelsberger was like during the filming over a decade ago.
Posthumous Communications and Anonymity Concerns
Shoemate revealed that, following Livelsberger’s apparent death, he continued to receive communications from Livelsberger’s account via Signal, raising concerns that someone had gained access posthumously. Specifically, he says Livelsberger’s security word was changed after his death. Additionally, a DEA official was named in the manifesto as being involved in the war crimes cover-up, but the name was redacted due to the fact that they are still currently operational.
Call for Media Exposure
Livelsberger’s actions and writings reveal a deliberate attempt to gain media attention for his message. In notes found on his phone, Livelsberger explicitly stated that he wanted to create a “spectacle” to capture America’s attention. He wrote,
“Americans only focus on spectacles and violence. What better way to convey my message than through a display of fireworks and explosives?”
This statement highlights his belief that dramatic actions were necessary to make people take notice.
He carefully chose both the location and the vehicle for his act. By using a Tesla Cybertruck and targeting the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, he aimed to create a striking and newsworthy event. These choices suggest a calculated effort to maximize public interest and ensure widespread media coverage.
In his writings, Livelsberger framed his actions not as terrorism but as a “wake-up call” for the American public. He expressed deep concerns about the state of the nation, describing the United States as “critically ill and on the brink of collapse.” Through this high-profile incident, he sought to broadcast his grievances about national leadership and policy issues to a broad audience.
This pursuit of media exposure reflects a pattern seen in other cases where individuals with grievances use dramatic actions to amplify their message. Livelsberger’s writings and actions underscore his intent to draw attention to his concerns through a calculated and highly visible act.
Community Reflections
In the wake of these revelations, those who knew Livelsberger have expressed shock and disbelief. Colleagues from his time at Graphcom, a marketing firm where he was certified as a HIPAA Privacy Security Expert, remembered him as a dedicated professional committed to protecting patient health information.
I reached out to multiple members of the Special Forces community, but none of my contacts had actually served with Livelsberger. A couple were willing to comment on the record, provided they were not identified. One experienced, retired operator stated, “I have no good insight, but it does seem like self-sacrifice was his goal and not destruction, as the pyrotechnics were (probably) more for show than anything.”
I agree; I believe he wanted to draw attention to his actions but not hurt anyone else. In all honesty, if he had wanted to, he could have blown an enormous hole in the side of the building, killing hundreds. He chose not to do this.
Another seasoned former Green Beret said simply, “There must have been something broken in his mind.”
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion involving Matthew Livelsberger is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full scope of the incident and his motivations. A key focus is evidence collection and analysis. FBI agents are examining data retrieved from Livelsberger’s cellphone, which includes a “diary of activity,” while facing challenges accessing a second device found in the Cybertruck. Additionally, investigators are searching a residence in Colorado Springs believed to be connected to the case.
Determining Livelsberger’s motive is another priority. Officials are exploring various factors, such as PTSD, possible family issues or personal grievances, conspiracy theories about Chinese drones and advanced technology, and his criticisms of U.S. government leadership. While these aspects are being considered, no single motivation has yet been confirmed.
Authorities are also investigating any potential connections between the Las Vegas explosion and an earlier attack in New Orleans that occurred hours before. So far, only incidental links have been found, such as both suspects renting vehicles from the same company, but no concrete evidence ties the two incidents together. I see no connections here.
Collaboration with the military is another critical aspect of the investigation. The Defense Department has provided Livelsberger’s medical records to local law enforcement, and investigators are working with the Army to better understand his background and possible motivations.
Despite the location of the explosion, FBI officials have stated that Livelsberger did not harbor resentment toward President-elect Donald Trump, and experts suggest the actions were not politically motivated. As authorities continue piecing together information from Livelsberger’s writings, communications, and personal history, they aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the explosion.
Summing Up
The life and death of Matthew Alan Livelsberger have revealed a complex narrative of covert operations, alleged advanced technologies, and accusations of governmental misconduct. As investigations proceed, the full extent and impact of his revelations remain to be seen. In the end, however, I feel his are the actions of a broken man trying to send a message. That message may be a little different for each of us.
For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, you can watch the episode of the Shawn Ryan Show where Sam Shoemate discusses Livelsberger’s email and its implications.
** This is an ongoing investigation. SOFREP will update this information as soon as new material becomes available.
-DOL
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.