“It appears to be a tragic case of suicide by a heavily decorated veteran who struggled with PTSD and other issues,” FBI agent Spencer Evans said, according to AP news agency.
The 37-year-old served in the Special Forces Green Berets and was on leave when he drove the rented Tesla from his home state of Colorado to Las Vegas.
“No terrorist attack, but an alarm clock”
Notes found in the man’s phone provide a picture of the motive, according to the police.
“This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call. Americans only care about spectacle and violence,” reads one note.
It also states that the US is headed for collapse and that the country has weak leaders who only want to enrich themselves, but the notes also give a picture of personal motives.
“I needed to clear my mind of the brothers I lost and free myself from the burden of the lives I took.”
Served in Afghanistan
The man entered the army in 2006 and served, among other things, in Afghanistan, Ukraine and Georgia, according to information provided to AP.
A relative speaks up New York Post that he was a “Rambo type” and a strong supporter of Donald Trump.
Seven people suffered minor injuries when the car exploded. The 37-year-old shot himself, according to the police.
Police have found no connection between the car bombing in Las Vegas and the car attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans earlier on New Year’s Eve.