A series of striking parallels emerge between two deadly attacks that occurred within hours of each other on New Year's Day, perpetrated by former military servicemen Matthew Alan Livelsberger and Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
According to Fortune, both suspects had served at Fort Bragg and chose to rent electric trucks through the Turo app before carrying out their respective attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans.
The investigation has revealed multiple commonalities between the two incidents, though law enforcement officials stress there is no concrete evidence linking the suspects as co-conspirators. Both men had military backgrounds and were deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, though records do not show they were stationed in the same province.
Former Soldiers Connected By Service History and Attack Methods
Their shared military experience extends beyond just deployment timing. Livelsberger was an active duty Green Beret at the time of the attack, while Jabbar had been discharged in 2020 at the rank of staff sergeant. Both had received training at Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty, a base renowned for housing elite Airborne and Special Operations Forces.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill addressed the similarities during a Thursday press briefing. Nathan Sales, former chief counterterrorism official under the Trump administration, emphasized the importance of investigating these connections.
The FBI has taken an active role in pursuing every possible lead. Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia issued a public appeal for information, encouraging anyone with knowledge of Jabbar to come forward.
Electric Trucks and Interstate Travel Mark Unusual Attack Pattern
In a notable coincidence, both attackers chose electric trucks - specifically a Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning - vehicles that represent a small fraction of the American truck market. They obtained these vehicles through the peer-to-peer rental platform Turo in different states.
The suspects drove their rented vehicles across state lines to reach their targets - popular tourist destinations known for gambling and celebrations. Livelsberger traveled to Las Vegas, while Jabbar headed to New Orleans.
FBI Deputy Assistant Director Raia noted that while the investigation continues, current evidence suggests the attacks were not coordinated. He stated:
At this point there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas.
Critical Distinctions Emerge Despite Surface Similarities
While both suspects had planned to use explosives, their attack methods differed significantly. Jabbar was killed by law enforcement before he could detonate his improvised devices during his vehicular rampage. Livelsberger triggered his makeshift explosive using propane canisters, fireworks, and gasoline before apparently taking his own life.
Their motivations also appear distinct. Livelsberger targeted the Trump International Hotel weeks before the President-elect's inauguration, while Jabbar had declared allegiance to ISIS.
The U.S. Army has not yet responded to requests for additional information about their service records that might illuminate their actions.
Investigating Two Deadly New Year Attacks
The Las Vegas bombing attempt and New Orleans rampage, occurring within hours of each other on New Year's Day, were carried out by two former soldiers with overlapping military service at Fort Bragg and similar choices in attack preparation.
While Matthew Alan Livelsberger and Shamsud-Din Jabbar both rented electric trucks through Turo and planned attacks involving explosives, investigators have found no evidence of coordination between them. The FBI continues to investigate all possible connections while maintaining that the suspects likely acted independently.
