Newsgens: The FBI is probing a potential connection between the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and a truck attack in New Orleans that killed 15 people on New Year’s Day.
According to officials, gasoline canisters and large firework mortars were packed into the Cybertruck, which exploded shortly after a pickup truck was driven into crowds celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The driver of the truck, the only occupant, was found dead, and seven others sustained minor injuries, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
While the FBI has identified the driver of the Cybertruck, they have not yet released the individual’s identity. The agency continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, though no clear connection between the two incidents has been established.
Incident Details and Las Vegas Explosion
Videos from witnesses show the Cybertruck exploding in flames outside the Trump International Hotel around 8:40 a.m. local time. The truck had been rented in Colorado, arriving in Las Vegas early that morning. It drove through the Strip, reaching the hotel’s valet area before the explosion occurred. Police discovered gasoline canisters and large firework mortars in the truck’s bed.
Las Vegas authorities emphasized that the explosion may not be linked to terrorism, but more details are still under investigation. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the blast was caused by fireworks or a bomb placed in the truck and had no relation to the Cybertruck itself. Musk also clarified that all vehicle telemetry was normal at the time of the explosion.
No Direct Connection Between the Las Vegas and New Orleans Incidents
The New Orleans attack took place just hours before the Las Vegas explosion. A man drove a truck into crowds in the French Quarter, killing 15 people. While both incidents involved rented trucks, authorities have yet to confirm any connection between the two.
Both the Tesla Cybertruck and the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack were rented through the car-sharing service Turo. A Turo spokesperson noted that neither renter had a criminal background that would have flagged them as potential security threats.
Trump Hotel Evacuated Following Explosion
Following the explosion, the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was evacuated, and most visitors were relocated to another hotel. Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, commended local law enforcement for their quick response to the incident.
With both the Trump Hotel and the Tesla Cybertruck involved, authorities and the public are left with numerous questions, especially given the proximity to the upcoming presidential transition.
As the FBI continues to investigate, the connection, if any, between the events remains unclear.
While the FBI has identified the driver of the Cybertruck, they have not yet released the individual’s identity. The agency continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion, though no clear connection between the two incidents has been established.
Incident Details and Las Vegas Explosion
Videos from witnesses show the Cybertruck exploding in flames outside the Trump International Hotel around 8:40 a.m. local time. The truck had been rented in Colorado, arriving in Las Vegas early that morning. It drove through the Strip, reaching the hotel’s valet area before the explosion occurred. Police discovered gasoline canisters and large firework mortars in the truck’s bed.
Las Vegas authorities emphasized that the explosion may not be linked to terrorism, but more details are still under investigation. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the blast was caused by fireworks or a bomb placed in the truck and had no relation to the Cybertruck itself. Musk also clarified that all vehicle telemetry was normal at the time of the explosion.
No Direct Connection Between the Las Vegas and New Orleans Incidents
The New Orleans attack took place just hours before the Las Vegas explosion. A man drove a truck into crowds in the French Quarter, killing 15 people. While both incidents involved rented trucks, authorities have yet to confirm any connection between the two.
Both the Tesla Cybertruck and the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack were rented through the car-sharing service Turo. A Turo spokesperson noted that neither renter had a criminal background that would have flagged them as potential security threats.
Trump Hotel Evacuated Following Explosion
Following the explosion, the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was evacuated, and most visitors were relocated to another hotel. Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, commended local law enforcement for their quick response to the incident.
With both the Trump Hotel and the Tesla Cybertruck involved, authorities and the public are left with numerous questions, especially given the proximity to the upcoming presidential transition.
As the FBI continues to investigate, the connection, if any, between the events remains unclear.
