WASHINGTON — The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas on Wednesday, resulting in the death of its only occupant, was rented by an active-duty member of the Army’s elite Special Forces, according to Army officials.

The individual who tragically lost his life was Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty Green Beret with nearly two decades of service in the Army. Green Berets are known for conducting special operations, including raids on sensitive enemy positions, reconnaissance missions, and training foreign military forces.

Livelsberger had been a soldier during the height of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, participating in numerous deployment assignments throughout his career, as noted by the Army.

He was recognized for his service with several awards, including a Bronze Star with valor, among other commendations.

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

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

The vehicle remained stationary for about 15 seconds before it exploded, McMahill revealed. Authorities later found gasoline containers, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars in the rear of the vehicle. The driver died from the explosion, and seven others sustained injuries.

This incident took place just hours after a deadly truck attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Federal Bureau of Investigation officials indicated on Thursday that the New Orleans attack seems to have been carried out by a solitary individual.

President Joe Biden mentioned that federal investigators are looking into any possible connections between the two incidents.

The Cybertruck, which was first shown to the public in 2019, is Tesla’s first truck and is an electric vehicle (EV). It drew attention for its unconventional design and was advertised as having a “bullet-tough” stainless-steel structure and “rock-proof” armored glass, as per earlier statements from Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk.

Livelsberger began his journey as a Special Forces candidate in January 2006 and remained in active service until March 2011. He subsequently joined the National Guard and Army Reserve until December 2012, after which he returned to active-duty service as a Special Operations soldier.

In a statement, the Army confirmed its cooperation with both federal and state inquiry efforts regarding the incident.

Jeremy Schwartz, the acting Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Las Vegas, stated that the event at the Trump hotel is undergoing investigation by a joint terrorism task force established by the bureau.

Turo, the car rental service involved, confirmed on Wednesday that both the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack involved vehicles rented from their platform.

(This story has been updated to include new information and to correct previous errors.)