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On January 1, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven others, who are now in stable condition. According to police, the vehicle was loaded with fireworks, gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars.
The explosion occurred around 8:40 a.m. local time. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill shared footage of the blast during a press conference. He explained that the truck's design contained much of the blast, limiting damage to the hotel's valet area. Remarkably, the hotel's front glass doors remained intact despite the truck being parked right outside.
The Cybertruck, rented in Colorado through the Turo app, was traced using Tesla's charging station data. Authorities confirmed the truck arrived in Las Vegas at 7:30 a.m. and was seen driving along Las Vegas Boulevard before the explosion. The identity of the renter is known, but police have not disclosed it publicly.
When questioned about links to a New Orleans attack on the same day that killed 15 people, McMahill said authorities are investigating possible connections to global incidents. FBI special agent Jeremy Schwartz emphasized the priority of identifying those responsible.
Speculation arose about potential political motives, given Tesla CEO Elon Musk's collaboration with President-elect Trump and the location near Trump Tower. McMahill confirmed that Musk has cooperated with investigators and addressed the incident on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Musk stated that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb in the truck bed and was unrelated to the vehicle's design or performance.
President Joe Biden briefly commented on the incident, noting there is currently no confirmed link between the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has yet to provide additional information.
