Sources Link Suspects in Vegas Explosion and New Orleans Attack to the Same Military Base
Sources told Denver7 Investigates that the suspects involved in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas and a truck attack in New Orleans both served at the same military base. Authorities are investigating this connection as a potential link between the two New Year’s attacks.
Overview of the Incidents
Matthew Levelesberger, a resident of Colorado Springs, is accused of renting a Tesla Cybertruck, driving it to Nevada, and packing it with fireworks, gas cans, and mortars before detonating it outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas early Wednesday. The explosion killed him and injured seven others.
Hours earlier, Shamsuddin Jabar, a Texas resident, allegedly drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The attack left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured, shocking the city during one of its most celebrated events.
Shared Military Backgrounds
Both men are confirmed to be military veterans, and investigators are treating the incidents as possible acts of terrorism. Late Wednesday, multiple sources informed Denver7 Investigates of a shared link between the suspects’ military service.
- Matthew Levelesberger: Allegedly served at the same military base as Jabar. Authorities are investigating whether this connection played a role in coordinating the attacks.
- Shamsuddin Jabar: Enlisted in the Army in March 2007, serving in human resources and IT. He was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010 and later transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserve in 2015, serving until July 2020 when he left with the rank of First Sergeant.
Authorities suspect that Jabar, who was killed by police during the truck attack, may not have acted alone.
Use of Turo for Vehicle Rentals
Both suspects used vehicles rented through the car-sharing platform Turo for their respective attacks. A Turo spokesperson stated that neither suspect had a criminal record that would have flagged them as a security threat.
Federal Investigations
Federal agents in Colorado Springs were monitoring multiple properties associated with Levelesberger late Wednesday, awaiting a search warrant to uncover more information about his background and potential motives.
Community Reactions
The attacks, both occurring on New Year’s Eve, have sent shockwaves through communities in Las Vegas and New Orleans. Authorities are working to determine whether these acts were coordinated and if additional threats exist.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
