Las Vegas Explosion: FBI Investigates Possible Terror Links
Authorities are investigating a dramatic explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, involving a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with fuel canisters and fireworks mortars. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, resulted in the death of the driver and left seven others with minor injuries. Police have not disclosed the identities of those involved, including the deceased driver.
The vehicle, rented in Colorado, reportedly arrived in Las Vegas less than two hours before the explosion. According to officials, the Cybertruck was parked near a glass entrance at the hotel when it began to emit smoke. Moments later, it exploded, sending multicoloured fireworks shooting in various directions. The explosion occurred around 8:40 a.m. local time, leading to significant damage and sparking concerns about public safety.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Police Department provided an update during an afternoon press conference. He shared video footage of the explosion and images showing the aftermath. The visuals revealed the truck parked at the hotel’s entrance, where it remained stationary befo
re the explosion. Dramatic bursts of fireworks accompanied the blast, creating a chaotic scene.
Following the explosion, emergency responders quickly extinguished the fire, and investigators discovered remnants of gas and fuel canisters along with firework mortars in the vehicle. Footage also showed the charred remains of the truck bed and a black fire-retardant tarp used by firefighters to control the blaze.
The explosion in Las Vegas occurred just hours after a separate attack in New Orleans, where a man drove a truck displaying an Islamic State (IS) flag into a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Improvised explosive devices were also found near the scene in New Orleans. Law enforcement agencies are now examining whether the two incidents might be connected.
Sheriff McMahill confirmed that investigators are exploring all possibilities, including potential links to IS or high-profile individuals such as President-elect Donald Trump, who owns the hotel, and Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla. “Obviously, a Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel—there are lots of questions we need to answer,” McMahill stated.
The FBI has also joined the investigation, focusing on whether the Las Vegas explosion constitutes an act of terrorism. However, authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the driver or establish any definitive connections to extremist groups. FBI special agent Jeremy Schwartz emphasised that while terrorism is a consideration, no conclusive evidence has been found to link the incident to IS or other organised groups.
Both the Cybertruck in Las Vegas and the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack were rented from Turo, an app-based car rental service. A spokesperson for Turo confirmed that the company is cooperating with law enforcement investigations in both cities. The spokesperson added that the renters had no prior criminal records that would have flagged them as security threats. “We are heartbroken by the violence in New Orleans and Las Vegas and extend our prayers to the victims and their families,” the company said in a statement.
Authorities are currently working to verify the identity of the person who rented the Cybertruck and whether they were the same individual driving it at the time of the explosion. Sheriff McMahill reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the Las Vegas community but acknowledged the heightened security measures now in place.
President Joe Biden addressed the incident during an evening statement, confirming that the White House is closely monitoring the situation. “We’re tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas,” Biden said. “Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this incident, including whether there’s any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans.”
The president’s remarks underscored the federal government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and uncovering the motives behind these events.
The explosion prompted the evacuation of the Trump Hotel, with guests temporarily relocated to other accommodations. Eric Trump, the son of Donald Trump, commented on the incident via a social media post. He described it as a “reported electric vehicle fire” and praised the swift response of local emergency services. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and police for their professionalism.
Eyewitness accounts provided additional context to the chaotic scene. Stephen Ferlando, a guest staying on the 53rd floor of the hotel, told the Washington Post that he felt the building shake and witnessed the explosion from his window. “It was a massive blast—there’s no mistaking that,” he said.
The explosion killed 1 person and left several injured.
The incident’s proximity to Donald Trump’s hotel and the use of a Tesla vehicle have fuelled speculation about potential motives. Trump recently appointed Elon Musk to co-lead a presidential advisory commission, further intertwining their public profiles. However, investigators caution against jumping to conclusions as they continue to gather evidence.
The authorities have pledged a thorough investigation into the Las Vegas explosion. Sheriff McMahill emphasised the importance of uncovering all details to determine whether the event was an isolated incident or part of a larger coordinated effort. “With an explosion here on an iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all necessary precautions to keep our community safe,” he stated.
As investigators piece together the events leading up to the explosion, the community remains vigilant. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security and thorough vetting processes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo
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