Las Vegas: A Tesla Cybertruck caught fire outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, leading to the driver’s tragic death and injuring seven others. The incident has prompted an FBI investigation to determine if the explosion was an act of terrorism.
Witness Accounts and the Incident
Videos captured by witnesses inside and outside the hotel vividly show the vehicle erupting into flames as it sat parked. The explosion took place just hours after a separate truck attack in New Orleans, where a man drove into a crowd of New Year’s Day revelers, killing 15 people.
Connections to Notable Figures
The Trump International Hotel is associated with the Trump Organization, founded by former President Donald Trump. With Trump set to return to the White House on January 20, the incident has raised questions, especially considering Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s prominent support for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Musk has also been serving as an adviser to the incoming administration.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating, “Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel — there are lots of questions that we have to answer.”
FBI Investigation
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Schwartz addressed reporters, clarifying that it is too early to label the explosion as an act of terrorism. “I know everybody’s interested in that word and trying to see if we can say, ‘Hey, this is a terrorist attack.’ That is our goal, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Schwartz explained.
While the FBI has identified the driver of the rented vehicle, which was rented in Colorado, officials are not yet ready to disclose the individual’s identity.
Elon Musk’s Statement
In response to the incident, Musk clarified that the explosion was not due to a malfunction of 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 mentioned in a post on X.
Conclusion
The explosion of the Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel has raised significant concerns and questions surrounding public safety, especially following the recent violent events in New Orleans. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the details and ensure justice for the victims involved in both incidents. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on alert, hoping for clarity and answers in the days to come.
