Mental health crisis led to New Year's Eve blast at Trump's Las Vegas hotel: Police

Key Concepts

• New Year's Eve Attacks: The report details two seemingly connected attacks on New Year's Eve: a truck attack in New Orleans and an explosion in Las Vegas.
• Las Vegas Explosion: An explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck near the Las Vegas Strip, initially suspected as a terrorist attack.
• Matthew Livelberger: The identified suspect in the Las Vegas explosion, a 37-year-old Army Master Sergeant and Special Operations Soldier.
• Self-Inflicted Incident: Investigation revealed Livelberger detonated explosives inside his vehicle and died by suicide.
• Invisible Wounds of War: The report explores the potential impact of combat and blast injuries on Livelberger's mental health.
• Military Mental Health: Discussion on the challenges and reluctance of soldiers to seek mental health care due to deployment status concerns.
• Resource Allocation in Military: Concerns raised about the impact of voluntary early retirements on support staff for soldiers.

Investigation into the Las Vegas Explosion

On New Year's Eve, as Las Vegas prepared for its "America's Party" celebration, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department was on high alert due to numerous global and local threats. This heightened security was amplified by a truck attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans earlier that day, which killed 14 people and injured over 50. The New Orleans incident immediately raised concerns of a potential terrorist attack, with law enforcement trained to expect a second attack following the first.

Just hours later, chaos erupted near the Las Vegas Strip. A 911 call reported an attack on Trump Towers, describing a "huge explosion." Assistant Sheriff Dory Corin was among the first responders who arrived at the Trump International Hotel to find a Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames. The immediate priorities were to address the threat and determine if there was any further danger, especially given the context of the New Orleans attack. First responders rescued six injured individuals and began securing the scene to investigate the cause. The possibility of a third attack was a significant concern.

Identification of the Suspect and Investigation Findings

Nearly 36 hours after the explosion, officials identified Matthew Livelberger, a 37-year-old Army Master Sergeant and Special Operations Soldier on leave from Germany, as the suspect. Investigators recovered a military ID and passport from the scene. The investigation quickly pivoted to determine if there was any connection to the New Orleans attack, which was ultimately ruled out. Surveillance footage and an autopsy confirmed that Livelberger detonated explosives inside the vehicle and died of a self-inflicted gunshot. The FBI collaborated with contacts in Colorado, Europe, and Livelberger's military teammates, family, and friends to build a comprehensive picture of his life. Law enforcement was not aware of Livelberger having a prior record, and his military record was described as that of a "military hero."

Personal Background and Mental Health Struggles

ABC News spent six months investigating Livelberger's life, focusing on his service and his battle with the "invisible wounds of war." Alicia Eritt, who dated Livelberger for two years and remained in contact, was surprised to hear from him shortly before New Year's. She described him as doing well and having "a lot to talk about." Eritt, a nurse, learned of the Las Vegas incident when federal investigators visited her. She initially believed it was an accident, with Livelberger trapped inside.

Text messages shared with ABC News revealed Livelberger's struggles with headaches and his mental health during their relationship. He wrote about "spiraling down" and experiencing extreme hopelessness and depression. Eritt consistently encouraged him to seek professional help, having lost friends in the military to similar issues.

Writings found on Livelberger's phone indicated he was in crisis. He expressed concern that the "mainstream media will paint me out to be some terrorist and monster" and stated his intent was "no intent of taking out anyone but myself." He emphasized his lifelong service to his country and feeling "caught up in some craziness."

Expert Perspectives on Military Mental Health

Chris Free, a clinical psychologist with three decades of experience working with military personnel, noted that special operators are at a higher risk for brain-related issues due to high-impact forces experienced in combat. He suggested that blast injuries are "inevitable" for soldiers with long careers. Free also highlighted a reluctance among soldiers to seek mental health care due to the risk of being deemed "non-deployable," a status they actively try to avoid. He characterized military personnel as patriots who prioritize their country above themselves.

Democratic Representative Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, acknowledged the pressures of military service and expressed concern that stories like Livelberger's represent a regression in efforts to ensure the safety of service members. She pointed to a March memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hgsth offering voluntary early retirement to civilian employees, which she believes reduces the number of personnel available to assist soldiers during acute stress.

The Army's Chief of Public Affairs stated that the Army is committed to assisting soldiers and offers extensive behavioral health resources 24/7. They confirmed Livelberger had access to and utilized a program for physical, cognitive, and medical care, and did not exhibit concerning behaviors during his granted personal leave.

Lessons and Conclusion

As a veteran, the incident underscored the responsibility to care for individuals exposed to trauma. Alicia Eritt believes Livelberger struggled to ask for help and hopes his story will encourage greater care for those who serve the country. She emphasized that many others like him are suffering and dying without public attention. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of combat on mental health and the critical need for accessible and destigmatized support systems for military personnel.