A powerful explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has triggered a federal investigation into possible terrorism. The explosion occurred Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and seven others injured.
What Is a Cybertruck?
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck designed by Tesla, Inc. with Elon Musk as the CEO. Musk has been vocal about the Cybertruck’s capabilities and its potential to revolutionize the pickup truck market.
Recently, the Cybertruck has been in the news due to an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The incident, which involved a rented Cybertruck, has been linked to a possible act of terrorism. Elon Musk has commented on the situation, emphasizing that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb carried in the truck’s bed, not by the vehicle itself.
The connection to Donald Trump comes from the location of the explosion and Musk’s support for Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign, prompting speculations that this could be about sending a message to both.
Details of the Cybertruck Explosion
The explosion happened at approximately 8:40 a.m. when a Tesla Cybertruck parked near the Trump Hotel valet area suddenly erupted in flames. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle contained fireworks, gas canisters, and camping fuel, suggesting a deliberate act.
Surveillance footage showed the Cybertruck circling the area before parking near the hotel. Moments later, a powerful blast sent debris flying and sparked chaos among guests and hotel staff. Videos shared on social media captured a large plume of smoke rising from the scene, with emergency services responding swiftly to secure the area.
Officials confirmed that the Cybertruck had been rented in Colorado via the Turo platform and arrived in Las Vegas just hours before the explosion. The same app that was used to rented a Ford F-150 in the New Orleans attack earlier today.
FBI and Local Authorities Investigate
The person found deceased in the Cybertruck has not yet been identified. Authorities are working to confirm whether the deceased individual was the same person who rented the vehicle.
The FBI is collaborating with local law enforcement to determine whether the explosion qualifies as an act of terrorism. FBI Acting Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz described the incident as “isolated” but stressed that further investigation is ongoing.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has provided Tesla’s technical assistance to investigators, including operational data from the Cybertruck and footage from nearby Tesla charging stations.
Potential Target: Trump Hotel
The explosion’s proximity to the Trump International Hotel has fueled speculation about potential political motives. However, authorities have found no direct evidence linking the act to President-elect Donald Trump, his hotel, or any political ideology.
Musk confirmed the explosion resulted from fireworks and flammable materials stored in the truck bed, adding, “The Cybertruck’s unique design mitigated damage by directing the blast upwards, protecting surrounding areas.”
Connections to New Orleans Truck Attack
Investigators are also exploring a possible link between the Las Vegas explosion and a deadly truck attack in New Orleans earlier that day. The New Orleans incident, which involved another rented vehicle by using the same app, caused 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Both vehicles were booked through the Turo platform, which has since released a statement:
“We are heartbroken by the tragedies in Las Vegas and New Orleans. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and can confirm neither renter had a prior criminal record.”
Turo representative.
Despite similarities, officials have not confirmed any connection between the two incidents.
Community and Official Reactions
Local and federal agencies have urged the public to remain alert while they continue their investigation. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has pledged state resources to ensure a thorough inquiry.
Eric Trump, speaking on behalf of the Trump Organization, expressed gratitude to emergency responders.
As the investigation unfolds, residents and tourists remain on edge, awaiting further details about the suspect’s motives and the broader implications of this incident.
