Authorities in Las Vegas have launched an investigation into an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel on Wednesday morning. The blast resulted in the death of the truck’s driver and left seven people injured.
Police officials are trying to link this explosion to an attack in New Orleans, where 15 people were killed.
The Tesla Cybertruck, which was rented through a Colorado tour app, had arrived in Las Vegas just two hours before the explosion.
In a press conference, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill showed video footage and images of the aftermath, which included multiple gasoline cans and large fireworks materials in the truck’s bed. Authorities stated that these materials were involved in the explosion.
Connection to New Orleans Attack Officials are connecting this explosion to the attack in New Orleans, where a truck ran into a crowd, killing 15 people, and explosive materials were found nearby. Sheriff McMahill noted similarities between both incidents, particularly the rented vehicles and the presence of explosive materials.
Driver’s Identity and Investigation Local media reports identified the truck’s driver as 37-year-old Matthew Levalsberger, a U.S. military veteran from Colorado Springs. Authorities are investigating his residence. The driver’s motives are still unclear, and the FBI is looking into whether the explosion was an act of terrorism. There has been no evidence linking the incident to ISIS (Islamic State) so far.
Elon Musk and Political Connections Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the explosion via social media, stating that it was caused by the fireworks and gasoline cans, with no relation to the truck’s design. He further claimed that the design of the Cybertruck helped direct the explosion upwards, minimizing damage to the hotel.
Speculation has also arisen regarding political motives since Musk has recently worked with President-elect Donald Trump, and the incident occurred outside the Trump Hotel. However, authorities have not confirmed any connection to politics.
Ongoing Investigation The FBI and Las Vegas Police Department are continuing their investigations to determine whether this explosion was an isolated incident or part of a larger network. The tour app through which the Cybertruck was rented is cooperating with authorities and confirmed that the renters had no criminal records.
Sheriff McMahill reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat in Las Vegas, but emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during the investigation.
