Tim Kennedy Reflects on the Tragic Actions of Former Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger Who Took His Own Life After Detonating a Bomb Outside the

Former Green Beret sniper and MMA fighter Tim Kennedy, 45, has shared his thoughts on the tragic incident involving a soldier who detonated a bomb outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day.

The man, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, 37, drove a Cybertruck into the scene before taking his own life.

Kennedy, who once appeared alongside Livelsberger on a 2013 military-style reality TV show, Ultimate Soldier Challenge, expressed his disbelief and concern over the actions of his former teammate.

A Friend in Need

Kennedy, who competed alongside Livelsberger in challenging military-style tasks on the show, described him as a “competent and talented” soldier.

He was surprised and saddened by the turn of events, noting that Livelsberger had always appeared to be a dedicated and capable Green Beret.

Kennedy emphasized that, to him, Livelsberger didn’t seem like a “bad apple.”

Instead, he believed his former friend was a man who was “hurt, broken, or very scared.”

It was a situation that didn’t align with the person he had known on the show.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Kennedy admitted. “This doesn’t check out.”

A Complex Picture

Kennedy recalled their time on the Ultimate Soldier Challenge, where he saw a different side to Livelsberger.

He remembered him as a good communicator and someone with great skills.

Kennedy expressed shock when learning about the disturbing letters Livelsberger had written, which painted a picture of anger and disillusionment.

These letters revealed a descent into rage and violence, a far cry from the confident and skilled soldier Kennedy had once worked with.

Kennedy also pointed out that Livelsberger had been excelling in his military career up until that point, making the drastic shift in his behavior even more perplexing.

“I didn’t know what to do or say,” Kennedy shared, struggling to reconcile the man he knew with the person behind the explosive incident.

Understanding the Motivations

Livelsberger’s actions were not driven by terrorism, Kennedy believes, but rather by a deeper, personal struggle.

In a letter found by authorities, Livelsberger suggested that the explosion was a statement, a wake-up call about America’s societal issues.

He even mentioned the desire to make a statement through “fireworks and explosives,” rather than targeting innocent people.

Kennedy explained that Livelsberger’s message seemed more about drawing attention to his own grievances, not about causing harm.

The tragic events of New Year’s Day left Kennedy struggling for answers.

He couldn’t understand how someone with such a promising future in Special Forces could have reached such a breaking point.

His thoughts on Livelsberger’s decline also raised concerns about the mental health pressures faced by soldiers, especially those with high levels of responsibility.

The Fallout and Questions Raised

Livelsberger had served in multiple high-risk areas during his military career, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, and several African countries.

Kennedy, however, pointed out that even with his extensive experience and leadership skills, something clearly broke in Livelsberger’s mind in the months leading up to the explosion.

His recent leave, following a stint in Germany, came at a time when he appeared to be in significant distress, and Kennedy noted the troubling signs that perhaps went unnoticed.

The incident has raised many questions, especially about the pressures elite soldiers face, the possibility of missed warning signs, and the devastating effects of PTSD.

Kennedy, while shaken, is hopeful that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for others to be more mindful of their comrades’ mental well-being.

Investigations and Revelations

In the aftermath, more details have emerged about Livelsberger’s state of mind.

He had sent a troubling suicide email to retired Army intelligence officer Sam Shoemate, outlining his grievances with society and warning about the supposed Chinese drone threat over the U.S.

Livelsberger’s notes suggested that his motives were not related to terrorism but to gaining attention for his manifesto. Investigators are still probing whether his actions were linked to broader political concerns or personal struggles.

The FBI has confirmed that Livelsberger acted alone and that his behavior was influenced by PTSD and other personal issues.

The incident, while tragic, is being viewed as a result of a combat veteran’s personal turmoil.

“It’s a case of suicide involving a decorated combat veteran struggling with PTSD,” said Spencer Evans, a special agent with the FBI’s Las Vegas division.

Kennedy’s reflections on the incident show how deeply this tragedy has impacted the military community and highlights the ongoing need to address mental health issues among soldiers, especially those with a history of trauma.