Alicia Arritt, an Army nurse, recognized signs of brain injury in her boyfriend, Matthew Livelsberger, a master sergeant in the Army’s 10th Special Forces Group. Livelsberger suffered from memory problems, insomnia, headaches, and depressive moods after multiple deployments and exposure to weapons blasts. Despite his struggles, Livelsberger was described as kind, funny, and intelligent. Arritt noticed a decline in his symptoms over the years, consistent with a progressive brain injury caused by repeated blows to the head and blast exposure.
The military has only recently acknowledged that routine operations can result in brain injuries, and there is still stigma surrounding reporting injuries out of fear of being sidelined. Livelsberger, who was heavily decorated and described as struggling with PTSD and other issues, did not display concerning behavior at the time, according to the Army. He did not have a formal diagnosis of a brain injury, but given his years in special operations and history of contact sports, he was at high risk.
Dr. Michael Jaffee, a neurologist, explained that repeated exposure to high-risk activities, such as military service, increases the risk of developing a progressive brain injury like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Symptoms of CTE can plateau or progress to more severe outcomes, including paranoia and delusions. A small number of individuals with brain injuries have been known to exhibit violent behavior, such as an Army reservist who killed 18 people before taking his own life in 2023.
Livelsberger’s struggles with memory, concentration, and paranoia continued even after he sought treatment in 2021, ultimately failing out of a training course. He believed his issues were related to traumatic brain injuries but hesitated to speak up for fear of being prevented from continuing his duties. Despite his struggles, his wife and child, he chose to seek a leadership position at a base in Germany in 2022. Contact between Livelsberger and Arritt was lost after his relocation to Germany, but he reached out to her this week before carrying out the attack in Las Vegas.
In notes released by the Las Vegas police, Livelsberger stated that he felt the need to cleanse his mind of the lives he took and the brothers he lost, prompting his decision to launch an attack in Las Vegas. Arritt noted that although Livelsberger did not give an indication of his plans during their recent contact, she sensed that something was “off” about him. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the invisible nature of brain injuries and the potential for devastating consequences when left untreated or unrecognized in military service members. The incident highlights the urgent need for improved support, treatment, and understanding of traumatic brain injuries in the military.
