An explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside one of Donald Trump’s US hotels is being treated as a potential terrorist attack.
The driver of the rented vehicle, who was inside when it caught fire, died on New Year’s Day, and seven others sustained minor injuries. Efforts are ongoing to remove the driver’s body from the truck.
The explosion occurred just outside the president-elect’s hotel in Las Vegas, as reported by police and fire officials. Tesla, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has close ties to Trump, with Musk donating millions to his 2024 campaign and leading efforts to improve government efficiency under Trump’s administration.
Authorities are investigating the blast as a possible terror attack, according to three senior law enforcement sources speaking to NBC News. However, no official cause for the explosion has been disclosed yet.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas police confirmed that they know who rented the truck, though they haven’t released that information.
The truck, rented in Colorado, arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. local time. It immediately drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard before pulling into the Trump Towers.
The sheriff also indicated that investigators are “absolutely” examining whether the explosion is related to the deadly attack in New Orleans on the same day, though no connection has been confirmed.
While no link to the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group has been established in this incident, authorities are still evaluating all possibilities.
The investigation has also revealed that the Tesla and a Ford used in the New Orleans attack were rented from the same company, which will be further investigated.
Sheriff McMahill shared a photo of the truck post-explosion, showing gas canisters, camp fuel, and large firework mortars in the bed, suggesting that fireworks or a bomb could have contributed to the blast.
Despite the intensity of the explosion, the hotel’s front glass doors, located just meters from the site, remained intact.
Seven people sustained minor injuries, with two requiring hospitalization but later being released. The FBI is also involved in determining whether the explosion was a terrorist act, though they currently view it as an isolated incident.
Elon Musk confirmed on X that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb in the truck’s bed, stating that the vehicle itself did not contribute to the blast. He also praised the Tesla team for their swift response.
Eric Trump, the son of Donald Trump, acknowledged the explosion in a social media post, praising the local fire and police teams for their professionalism.
A witness, Mary Lescano Paguada, described hearing the explosion and witnessing the ensuing chaos at the hotel. She and others were evacuated from the hotel due to concerns over the smoke.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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