In a startling twist, federal authorities have uncovered a potential military link between the suspects behind two deadly attacks—one in New Orleans and the other in Las Vegas—that left a trail of devastation on New Year’s Day.
Two attacks, one shocking connection
The chaos began on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning truck into a crowd celebrating the New Year, killing 15 and injuring 30. Hours later, in Las Vegas, a rented Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside Trump International Hotel, claiming one life and injuring seven. Authorities have identified the Las Vegas suspect as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger.
Both incidents involved vehicles rented through the car-sharing platform Turo, which is now cooperating with the FBI. A Turo spokesperson stated, “We are heartbroken to learn that one of our host’s vehicles was involved in this awful incident. We are actively partnering with the FBI.”
The military angle
Federal investigators revealed that both suspects have military backgrounds, raising questions about a deeper connection. Jabbar, an Army veteran who served from 2007 to 2020, specialized in human resources and IT during his service. Details about Livelsberger’s military career remain sparse, but investigators believe he lived in multiple locations, including Colorado Springs.
Sources close to the investigation suggest the FBI is probing whether their shared military history played a role in the attacks.
Unfolding tragedy
In New Orleans, witnesses described the chaos as Jabbar’s truck plowed through the packed streets. “It was like a scene out of a nightmare,” said one bystander.
In Las Vegas, Livelsberger’s rented Cybertruck was rigged with fireworks and gasoline, leading to a deadly explosion in the Trump Hotel valet area. Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed, “The vehicle was deliberately rigged to cause maximum harm.”
Ongoing investigation
With federal agents raiding a home in Colorado Springs linked to Livelsberger, authorities are scrambling to piece together the motives and potential connections between the two suspects.
