Did Matthew Livelsberger, Shamsud-Din Jabbar Serve Together in Military?
January 2, 2025
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Matthew Livelsberger and Shamsud-Din Jabbar, both named as suspects in recent incidents being investigated as possible terrorist attacks, began serving in the U.S. Army in the 2000s, just over one year apart.
Why It Matters
Livelsberger was identified as the suspect in the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday. He was found dead inside of the vehicle.
The FBI named Jabbar as the suspect who allegedly drove a truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans on Wednesday, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens more.
Both incidents are being investigated as possible terrorist attacks. On Thursday, the FBI said it has found “no definitive link” between the incidents.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar (L) and Matthew Livelsberger (R). The men have been named as suspects in incidents in Las Vegas and New Orleans being investigated as possible terrorist attacks. Shamsud-Din Jabbar (L) and Matthew Livelsberger (R). The men have been named as suspects in incidents in Las Vegas and New Orleans being investigated as possible terrorist attacks. FBI via AP and LinkedIn
What To Know
A U.S. Army spokesperson told Newsweek that Livelsberger, who was a master sergeant, served in the active duty Army from January 2006 to March 2011. He enlisted as an 18X, an option allowing individuals to enter directly into the Army Special Forces pipeline.
Jabbar served as an Army human resources specialist and IT specialist from March 2007 to January 2015.
Livelsberger was enlisted in the National Guard from March 2011 to July 2012 and the Army Reserve from July 2012 to December 2012. He entered the active duty Army in December 2012 as a special operations soldier.
“Additionally, U.S. Army Special Operations Command can confirm Livelsberger was assigned to the command and on approved leave at the time of his death,” the Army spokesperson told Newsweek. “USASOC is in full cooperation with federal and state law enforcement agencies, but as a matter of policy, will not comment on ongoing investigations.”
Jabbar deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010. He served in the Army Reserve as an IT specialist from January 2015 until July 2020 and held the rank of staff sergeant at the end of his service.
Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said both were stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
“It’s a very large military base. We have no records they served in the same unit or even in the same years,” he said.
He also confirmed that both served in Afghanistan in 2009.
“We don’t have any evidence that they were in the same province, the same location or the same unit, again something else that remains under investigation,” McMahill said.
What People Are Saying
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, on X: “After the [Cybertruck] explosion at the Trump Tower this morning, law enforcement has confirmed that there is no active threat to the community at this time and this appears an isolated incident.”
Joe Biden, in a statement about the New Orleans attack: “My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.”
What Happens Next
Both incidents remain under investigation. The FBI is leading the New Orleans investigation. Jeremy Schwartz, acting FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Las Vegas office, confirmed that the FBI is involved in the Las Vegas investigation at a press conference on Wednesday.
Anyone with information about the New Orleans attack is asked to contact the FBI’s New Orleans Bureau by calling (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
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