Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, 37, caused an explosion with a Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, while Army veteran Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42, killed 14 people in a truck attack in New Orleans. Both men have ties to Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty, where they underwent military training.
Fort Bragg is home to the 4th Psychological Operations Group (POG), which aims to influence enemy organizations by targeting their psychological weaknesses. They use various methods, including propaganda, to sway opinions and behaviors, often within enemy territory. Soldiers at this base endure a rigorous 51-week training program designed to prepare them for these tasks, including learning about psychological tactics and human behavior.
Although the FBI’s deputy assistant director Chris Raia stated there is no confirmed link between Livelsberger and Jabbar, social media users and some law enforcement have pointed out their shared background in military training. Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck through Turo and detonated it on January 1, while Jabbar drove his truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street.
Livelsberger, who was active at Fort Bragg at least by November 2024, was previously involved with the 82nd Airborne Division. Jabbar's military record shows he worked as an IT specialist while at Fort Bragg from 2012 to 2014. Their simultaneous violent acts led to speculation about potential connections, with some questioning the events occurring so closely together and focusing on Fort Bragg's role.
Candidates for the Army’s Psychological Operations must pass a rigorous selection process, which assesses their physical and mental abilities alongside their communication skills. Those who meet the standards receive further training, which involves developing strategies to influence different groups. Ethical considerations are also part of their education to ensure compliance with military laws and ethics.
Despite their time at Fort Bragg, officials have not proven a direct link between Livelsberger and Jabbar in their military service or relationships. The FBI now believes Jabbar acted independently in his attack, as further investigations continue. Livelsberger, known for his distinguished service, had deployed multiple times, while Jabbar also had a military background but did not achieve the same level of recognition.
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