When her ex-boyfriend planned to blow up one of the most opulent hotels on the Las Vegas strip, Alicia Arritt was completely unaware of it.
When her ex-boyfriend planned to blow up one of the most opulent hotels on the Las Vegas strip, Alicia Arritt was completely unaware of it.

Alicia Arritt, a former Army nurse and single mother from Colorado Springs, has found herself unexpectedly at the center of the investigation into the tragic Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Her three-year relationship with Matthew Livelsberger, the perpetrator of the explosion, ended years ago, but a series of texts from him in the days leading up to the incident has brought her into the spotlight. While grappling with disbelief and guilt, Arritt has provided insights into Livelsberger's life, personality, and struggles.

Learn more: Matthew Livelsberger's Suicide Note: No Terror Attack, A Way for the US Soldier to Cleanse his Mind

A Shared Military Connection

Arritt and Livelsberger met in 2018, shortly after his divorce from his first wife, Sara Livelsberger. Both had military backgrounds, which initially brought them together. Arritt, a former Army nurse stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, found common ground with Livelsberger, a Green Beret with an impressive 19-year career in the U.S. Army’s Special Forces. Their shared experiences in military service created a bond that lasted for three years.

During their relationship, the couple enjoyed moments of happiness and adventure. In one cherished photo, they are seen smiling during a mountain hike, with a wildflower tucked in her hair. The picture was taken during a trip for “spy school” in Washington State, a government training program Livelsberger attended as part of his Special Forces work.

Who is Sara Livelsberger, Wife of Matthew Livelsberger - Cybertruck Attack Suspect Who is Sara Livelsberger, Wife of Matthew Livelsberger - Cybertruck Attack Suspect

A Relationship Shaped by Challenges

Behavioral Changes After Deployment

Arritt noticed a significant change in Livelsberger’s behavior following his return from a 2019 deployment to the Middle East. He had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the tour, which marked a turning point in his demeanor. Livelsberger became more withdrawn, isolated, and emotionally distant. Arritt believes these symptoms were indicative of untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

In her own words, “It’s not acceptable to seek treatment when someone is in Special Forces.” This stigma surrounding mental health care in elite military units may have contributed to Livelsberger’s inability to address his struggles.

Focusing on Career

The relationship ultimately ended in 2021, partly because Livelsberger wanted to dedicate himself to his career. He remained committed to his work in Special Forces, advancing to a position as a remote and autonomous systems manager at Camp Panzer Kaserne in Germany. Despite their breakup, the two parted on amicable terms, and Arritt moved on with her life as a single mother working 12-hour shift

Unexpected Contact Before the Explosion

Arritt had not heard from Livelsberger for years when, out of the blue, he began texting her just days before the explosion. His messages were playful and nostalgic, showing no signs of the turmoil or planning that led to the tragic events.

On December 29, 2024, Livelsberger texted her about the Tesla Cybertruck he had rented. “I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. It’s the s***,” he wrote, accompanied by photos of the vehicle. His excitement was palpable as he likened the truck to a childhood dream. “It matches my Kobe 2 shoes I had when I was little,” he added.

Their exchanges continued sporadically until New Year’s Eve. Livelsberger sent photos and music videos featuring the Cybertruck, describing it as “ungodly fast” and joking that it made him feel like “Batman or Halo.” For Arritt, the conversation felt like a reconnection between old friends, though she found it strange given their years of silence.

The Morning of the Explosion

Unbeknownst to Arritt, Livelsberger’s seemingly lighthearted texts masked a far darker reality. On January 1, 2025, he parked the Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel, detonated explosives inside the vehicle, and ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The explosion caused minor injuries to seven bystanders but was largely contained by the Cybertruck’s steel design.

Authorities later contacted Arritt after discovering her texts on Livelsberger’s phone. FBI agents visited her home on January 3, asking about their communications. She cooperated fully, sharing the photos and messages he had sent her, none of which indicated any signs of his plans.

Remembering Matthew Livelsberger

Despite the tragedy, Arritt holds on to the memory of Livelsberger as a kind and honorable man. “I just want everyone to know that Matt was the kindest man I ever knew,” she told The Denver Gazette. She credits him with helping her through a difficult time in her life and recalls his generosity and patriotism.

Livelsberger’s dedication to his family and country was evident in his actions. When his mother became ill, he bought her a house. Despite suffering two back surgeries from his days as a paratrooper, he remained committed to his military service. Friends and family described him as a deeply patriotic American who loved his country and admired former President Donald Trump.

Struggling with Guilt

Arritt has expressed guilt over not recognizing any warning signs in Livelsberger’s messages. She wonders if there was anything she could have said or done to prevent his actions. “I don’t know if I could have stopped him,” she admitted.

The FBI informed her that she was not the only ex-girlfriend Livelsberger contacted in the days before the explosion. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to understanding his state of mind during those final days.

Questions Remain

The reasons behind Livelsberger’s actions remain unclear. Investigators initially speculated that the explosion could have been politically motivated, given its location outside a Trump-owned hotel and the use of a Tesla vehicle. However, Livelsberger’s texts to Arritt and others suggest a more personal motive rooted in unresolved emotional struggles and mental health challenges.

Conclusion

Alicia Arritt’s connection to Matthew Livelsberger offers a poignant glimpse into the human side of a man whose life ended in tragedy. Through her memories and recent interactions with him, a picture emerges of a kind and honorable soldier who struggled silently with the weight of his experiences.

While the full story behind the Tesla Cybertruck explosion may never be known, Arritt’s account highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially within high-stress professions like the military. For now, she is left grappling with a mix of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions about the man she once loved.

How Safe Is America? Three New Year Bloody Attacks, One Question How Safe Is America? Three New Year Bloody Attacks, One Question

The start of 2025, with at least three bloody attacks that killed at least 16 people and injured approximately 60 more, raises the age-old question: ...

U.S Army Link Between New Orleans Attack And Tesla Cybertruck Explosion U.S Army Link Between New Orleans Attack And Tesla Cybertruck Explosion

There apparently is a shocking connection between the Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel and the New Orleans truck ramming.

Four Possible Motives of Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel Four Possible Motives of Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel

The Tesla Cybertruck Explosion is being investigated by the FBI as a "terrorist attack" in which a distinguished US veteran was the perpetrator.

New Rambo Trump Supporter Livelsberger: Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion Suspect New Rambo Trump Supporter Livelsberger: Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion Suspect

The highly decorated Army soldier inside a Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks that exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shot himself in the ...