A tragic incident occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas involving a U.S. Army sergeant, Matthew Alan Reiblesberger, who fatally shot himself in his Tesla Cybertruck, which subsequently exploded. Investigators revealed that a note was found on his cellphone that suggested the incident was intended as a ‘stunt’ to serve as a ‘wake-up call’ to the nation.
Reiblesberger, a 37-year-old decorated soldier from Colorado Springs, had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The explosion resulted in minor injuries to seven bystanders. In a press conference, police shared excerpts from the recovered note, which contained thoughts on the state of the nation, societal issues, and personal struggles. He expressed feelings of despair about America’s condition, emphasizing that his actions were not intended as a terrorist attack but a means to provoke awareness.
The note reflected a deep-seated frustration, suggesting that Americans are drawn to spectacle and violence, and he aimed to use a dramatic act to communicate his message. Authorities noted that beyond the immediate context of the incident, the document also addressed broader political and social grievances. They plan to release further writings from Reiblesberger to provide insight into his thought process.
The explosion took place shortly after a separate terrorist attack in New Orleans, but the FBI confirmed that there is no evidence linking the two events or implicating Reiblesberger with any terrorist organizations.