A deadly explosion outside Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on New Year's Day left one person dead and seven injured. Federal and local authorities are investigating potential terrorist connections.

The suspect, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was an Army veteran from Colorado. He rented a Tesla Cybertruck through Turo and arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The truck, loaded with gasoline tanks, camping fuel, and firework mortars, exploded at the hotel's valet area at 8:39 a.m. The suspect died in the blast, while seven others sustained injuries. Two victims were treated at University Medical Center and later released.

Clark County firefighters responded within four minutes, using specialized equipment to contain the fire. The Cybertruck's design apparently limited damage to the hotel structure, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk noting that the vehicle "contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards."

Investigators are exploring possible connections to a separate incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Both suspects allegedly used Turo to rent vehicles and had served at the same military base. The FBI's Las Vegas office believes this was an isolated incident but continues investigating potential terrorism links.

The LVMPD has increased security presence across Las Vegas Strip, Downtown Las Vegas, and surrounding areas. Nearby establishments, including the Fashion Show Las Vegas mall and hotel guests, were temporarily evacuated to Resorts World Las Vegas.

Authorities are particularly interested in the attack's location at a Trump-owned property using a Tesla vehicle, given Musk's connections to Trump's potential second administration. The investigation remains ongoing with federal, state, and local authorities collaborating to determine the full scope of the incident.

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