A Tesla Cybertruck caught fire and exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to seven others. Authorities have stated that the FBI is investigating the possibility of the explosion being an act of terrorism.
Witnesses captured videos from both inside and outside the hotel, depicting the vehicle engulfed in flames while parked outside.
This incident occurred just hours after a separate event in New Orleans, where a man drove a truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Day, leading to 15 fatalities.
The Trump International Hotel is affiliated with the Trump Organization, owned by President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to return to the White House on January 20. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has been a prominent supporter of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and serves as an adviser to the incoming administration.
“Given the involvement of a Cybertruck and the Trump hotel, there are numerous questions that need addressing,” stated Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department during a press conference later in the day.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Schwartz informed reporters that it remains uncertain whether the explosion qualifies as an act of terrorism.
“I understand the public’s interest in that terminology, and we are actively working to determine if this constitutes a terrorist attack,” Schwartz remarked.
He also mentioned that the FBI has identified the driver of the rented vehicle, which was obtained in Colorado, but has not yet disclosed the individual’s identity.
