Authorities know Livelsberger died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
So they know where on his body that he shot himself (or at least where he
was shot).
Thus they know whether the wound would likely to have killed (or at least incapacitated) him instantly, or whether he remained conscious enough to
trigger the explosion.
Supposedly, the shot that killed Livelsberger, and the ensuing explosion occurred within 17(?) seconds of the moment the truck pulled up in front of
the hotel. Not much time to stop, pull a gun (assuming he wasn't driving with the gun in his hand), aim and fire.
Is it typical to take so little time to contemplate one's final act, after pulling up at your chosen spot to commit suicide?
Livelsberger's death seems somehow...too "automatic". Like "Drive, Park, Grab gun, Shoot." Odd.
Also, how did the shot detonate the gas can(s) and/or fireworks in the bed of the truck?
If Livelsberger, intent on committing suicide, would have shot himself in the head (the most effective way to kill oneself) he most likely would not
have been shooting himself aiming
downward, which, although unlikely,
might have made it possible for the bullet's trajectory to carry
it into the bed of the truck where it
could have impacted something which then ignited, causing the subsequent explosion. It depends on the
angle of the entry wound, I suppose.
Which is information the authorities have, if they
know Livelsberger's fatal wound was self-inflicted.
He might have, alternatively shot himself in the chest. Not as certain as a "head shot", in terms of lethality, but generally effective. But here
again, there is the question of how such a shot subsequently detonated the explosion. With more viscera to penetrate (chest wall, internal organs,
back ribs/spine, driver's seat materials, back seat material, vehicle bulkheads), again it comes down to a question of bullet trajectory.
Then again, and I have not seen this possibility mentioned,
"Did Livelsberger use a "dead man switch" to detonate his cargo upon his death by
shooting himself?"
That is, of course,
assuming that he shot himself.
And
that brings up more questions, since, if a dead man switch was used, this become an almost undeniable act of terrorism, premeditated and
executed, by an active member of the US military.
edit on 3-1-2025 by Mantiss2021 because: (no reason given)