Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a decorated Army veteran with PTSD, died in a self-inflicted gunshot wound after detonating a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Police found journal entries expressing grievances against U.S. leadership, describing the action as a “wake-up call” rather than a terrorist attack. The investigation revealed potential contributing factors including family issues and personal struggles, though no direct link to a separate New Orleans attack was established. Livelsberger’s military service and social media activity further informed the investigation into the incident.
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Malik Muhammad, a disabled veteran with PTSD, received a ten-year sentence—the harshest for any 2020 protest-related case—after pleading guilty to multiple felonies involving participation in protests and a Molotov cocktail incident. Despite Oregon’s 90-day solitary confinement limit, he has spent over 250 days in solitary, with his attorney arguing that the prison circumvents the limit by transferring him between units while keeping him in the same cell. This prolonged solitary confinement, following an incident where guards tased and beat him, exacerbates his PTSD and is considered by his legal team to be a form of torture. His recent hunger strike, protesting these conditions, ended after prison officials made some progress towards moving him to the general population.
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As I read about Trump continuing to watch the shooting clip and potentially experiencing PTSD, I can’t help but feel conflicted. On one hand, as someone who has personally struggled with PTSD from my time in the army, I understand how traumatic experiences can leave a lasting impact on one’s mental health. The fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance that come with PTSD are not easy to live with, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.
However, on the other hand, it’s hard to summon any sympathy for a man who has caused so much harm and suffering to countless others. From his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the deaths of thousands, to his cruel immigration policies that tore families apart, Trump’s actions have directly caused trauma and pain to many individuals.… Continue reading
The FDA recently made the decision to reject the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD, citing a myriad of concerns including poorly designed studies and allegations of sexual misconduct. As someone who works in the clinical trial space, I understand the strict guidelines and the importance of well-designed studies when it comes to getting approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA. It’s clear that the issues within the studies conducted for MDMA therapy need to be addressed before any progress can be made.
The therapeutic potential of MDMA for individuals struggling with PTSD is undeniable. I’ve heard firsthand accounts of the emotional breakthroughs and healing that can occur when utilizing this drug in a therapeutic setting.… Continue reading
As I delved into the news about the profound damage found in the Maine gunman’s brain, possibly stemming from repeated blasts experienced during Army training, my mind began racing with thoughts and reflections. The mental anguish and behavioral changes that such trauma can inflict on an individual are unfathomable. The parallels drawn between shell shock and brain damage, and yet the lack of research by the Army in addressing this issue, is deeply concerning. It is disheartening to think that individuals who undergo such extreme conditions are not provided with the necessary support and care post-service.
The impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is undeniable, as evidenced by the cases of Chris Benoit, Junior Seau, Aaron Hernandez, and others who suffered devastating consequences.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker