Retired Green Beret and former MMA fighter Tim Kennedy has spoken out about his connection to Matthew Livelsberger, the man allegedly responsible for the New Year’s Day explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Jul 6, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Tim Kennedy during his Middleweight Bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Livelsberger, who detonated a Cybertruck loaded with incendiary devices and took his own life, had previously teamed up with Kennedy on a 2013 episode of the History Channel’s Ultimate Soldier Challenge.

Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries in the explosion, but there were no other fatalities.

Celebrate Trump's Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

MORE NEWS: Murder Granny and Essentially Satan Himself Get Awards from Joe Biden

Kennedy and Livelsberger, who competed under the nickname “Matt Burg,” were paired together on the third episode of Ultimate Soldier Challenge, which aired on March 4, 2013.

The episode featured a simulated operation based on SEAL Team Six’s raid on Osama Bin Laden.

Do you think Elon Musk should purchase Facebook?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from RVM News, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

The duo competed against a team of Norwegian special forces members and a group of military contractors, ultimately winning the competition by placing first in every challenge.

Reflecting on the news of Livelsberger’s actions, Kennedy shared his recollections in a series of posts on social media.

MORE NEWS: CNN’s Jim Acosta and a Dem Guest Lose J6 Debate to a Lone Republican Strategist [WATCH]

Initially, he expressed shock upon realizing that he had once worked closely with Livelsberger, but he later clarified that the man he knew during the competition was not the same person who committed the tragic act.

The incident, which authorities have classified as a “suicide, vehicle-borne, improvised explosive device” (Suicide-VBED), has raised questions about Livelsberger’s motive.

Investigators recovered his phone from the explosion site and were able to extract data despite significant damage.

Among the recovered files were two notes in the phone’s application, offering insight into Livelsberger’s mindset.

One letter, addressed to “Fellow service members, veterans, and all Americans,” criticized the country’s leadership, stating, “We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves.”

Another letter described the U.S. as “terminally ill and headed toward collapse,” adding that his act was intended as a wake-up call rather than a terrorist attack.

MORE NEWS: CNN Anchor Loses It, Tells Scott Jennings to ‘Zip it’ During Fiery Debate on Trump Transition [WATCH]

The note read: “Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives? Why did I personally do it now? I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.”

Authorities claim that Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office reported that the injury was intra-orbital, with the gun discharged inside his mouth and the round exiting through the left side of his head.

Officials have stated there is no evidence connecting Livelsberger’s actions to any terrorist organization or the unrelated Bourbon Street massacre, which occurred on the same day.

Instead, they have described him as a troubled individual grappling with personal demons.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about how someone with Livelsberger’s background and skills reached this point.

MORE NEWS: Alleged CEO Killer Luigi Mangione’s Vacation in Thailand Reveals Disturbing Behavior

His letters and actions suggest a deep sense of frustration and despair, but his intent to avoid mass casualties has offered some relief to those impacted by the explosion.

For Tim Kennedy, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the complexities of mental health issues among veterans.