1 week Ago
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, killing the driver and injuring seven others. The FBI is investigating whether the incident, which occurred just hours after a deadly truck attack in New Orleans, was an act of terrorism. The explosion happened at 8:40 a.
m. local time as the Cybertruck sat parked near the entrance of the Trump International Hotel. Videos captured by witnesses showed flames engulfing the vehicle and debris scattering across the area.
Two of the injured were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. The Trump Hotel was evacuated, and most guests were relocated to nearby accommodations. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed the tragic event at a press conference.
He noted the proximity in timing to the New Orleans attack, where a truck drove into New Year’s Day crowds, killing 15 people. “Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel – there’s lots of questions that we have to answer,” McMahill said. FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz emphasized that it was too early to determine whether the explosion was an act of terrorism.
“I know everybody's interested in that word...
That is our goal, and that's what we're trying to do,” Schwartz stated. The FBI has identified the driver of the Cybertruck, rented in Colorado, but has not released their name. Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Musk confirmed the explosion was not related to the Cybertruck itself. “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself,” Musk posted. He added that all vehicle telemetry data was positive at the time of the explosion, indicating no malfunction in the truck’s operation.
Authorities are investigating potential links between the Las Vegas explosion and the earlier attack in New Orleans. Both vehicles, including the Cybertruck and the truck used in New Orleans, were rented through the car-sharing service Turo. A Turo spokesperson stated that neither renter had a criminal background that would have flagged them as a security threat.
“We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents,” the spokesperson said. Las Vegas firefighters responded within four minutes of the fire being reported, extinguishing the flames quickly. The Trump International Hotel was evacuated as a precaution, with authorities ensuring visitor safety.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, posted on X, referring to the incident as an "electric vehicle fire." He confirmed the situation was under control and praised first responders for their swift action. The Trump International Hotel, part of the Trump Organization, holds symbolic significance as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House on January 20.
Elon Musk, a key backer of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, serves as an advisor to the incoming administration. The incident has raised questions about security protocols and the potential targeting of high-profile locations associated with political and corporate figures. Authorities remain vigilant as investigations continue into both incidents.
The focus is on determining whether the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack are connected and whether they signify a broader security threat. Officials urge the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity as law enforcement works to uncover the motives behind these tragic events..
