Two separate incidents, both involving vehicles and believed to be possible acts of terrorism, unfolded across the United States on New Year's Day. These incidents, occurring in New Orleans and Las Vegas, have left authorities investigating potential links between the perpetrators, both identified as Army veterans.
In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar reportedly drove a truck into a crowd of New Year's Day revelers, resulting in multiple fatalities. Concurrently, in Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck detonated outside the Trump International Hotel. The driver of the Cybertruck has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger. He died at the scene, while seven others sustained minor injuries.
Authorities are exploring possible connections between Jabbar and Livelsberger. Notably, both individuals were reportedly veterans who served at Fort Bragg and were deployed to Afghanistan around the same time. Further, they are both said to have rented their vehicles from the same carsharing service, Turo. This commonality has led to an investigation into a potential conspiracy.
Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old from Colorado Springs, had an extensive military background, including 18 years with Special Forces. His LinkedIn profile highlights a career as a communications specialist and later, an operations manager. He was also recently serving as a Remote and Autonomous Systems Manager for the Army, despite CBS sources reporting he was on leave. His profile also shows he was a graduate of Norwich University in Vermont, earning high grades in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis.
While authorities have not confirmed a motive, law enforcement sources are exploring Livelsberger's potential political leanings. Online activity revealed comments critical of government policies regarding student debt. Also his wife's social media posts indicate she was a registered Democrat and critical of Donald Trump. These elements are being scrutinized as potential motivators.
The Las Vegas incident prompted responses from local and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sheriff Kevin McMahill has acknowledged the connection between Trump and Elon Musk ( owner of tesla ), underscoring the close relationship between the president-elect and Tesla founder. Elon Musk also noted that the Cybertruck was sturdy enough to contain the blast directing the blast upwards.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing as authorities work to determine the motives and possible links between the attackers. The two attacks have raised concerns about domestic security.
