WASHINGTON — The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas on Wednesday, resulting in the death of its sole passenger, was rented by a Green Beret who served in the U.S. Army’s Special Forces, according to Army officials.

The deceased, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, was an active-duty soldier in the Green Berets and had dedicated 19 years to military service. These elite forces perform specialized missions, such as stealth raids, reconnaissance in enemy territory, and training allied foreign military units.

During his service, Livelsberger participated in critical operations during intense periods of U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq, completing numerous combat tours as noted by the Army.

Livelsberger earned multiple awards for his bravery, including the Bronze Star with valor, along with several other accolades.

His deployments included a stint in Afghanistan from September 2017 to April 2018, along with time in Ukraine, Republic of Congo, and Georgia.

The Cybertruck was rented in Colorado and rolled into Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. PT, as reported by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill during a press briefing. The driver was seen cruising up and down Las Vegas Boulevard before stopping in front of the Trump hotel at approximately 8:40 a.m.

According to McMahill, the truck remains stationary for about 15 seconds before it exploded. Investigators later retrieved gasoline canisters, camping fuel canisters, and large firework mortars from inside the vehicle. The explosion resulted in the death of Livelsberger and left seven other individuals injured.

This incident occurred just hours after a truck-related attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. FBI officials indicated on Thursday that the New Orleans incident seemed to be a lone wolf attack.

President Joe Biden stated that federal authorities are looking into any potential connections between the two events.

First introduced in 2019, the Cybertruck is Tesla’s first electric truck, known for its distinctive post-apocalyptic design. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has claimed it features a “bullet-proof” stainless-steel frame and is equipped with “essentially rock-proof” armored glass.

Livelsberger began his journey as a Special Forces candidate in January 2006 and served on active duty until March 2011. After a brief period in the National Guard and Army Reserve from 2011 to December 2012, he returned to active duty as a Special Operations soldier.

The Army has stated that it is cooperating fully with both federal and state investigators regarding this incident.

Jeremy Schwartz, acting Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Las Vegas, mentioned that the explosion at the Trump hotel is currently under investigation by the bureau’s joint terrorism task force.

Turo has confirmed that the vehicles involved in both the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack were rented through their peer-to-peer car rental platform.

(This article has been updated with new details and corrections for a typo.)