A Tesla Cybertruck packed with fuel canisters and fireworks exploded in a blaze of destruction outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Thursday, leaving one person dead and seven others with minor injuries.
Authorities are scrambling to determine whether the blast, which rattled the iconic hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard, is connected to a New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that left 15 dead and dozens injured.
“We are investigating every angle, including potential links to terrorism or political motivations,” Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during a press briefing.
Smoke, Fireworks, and Chaos
The rented Cybertruck, which had been picked up in Colorado, arrived in Las Vegas early Thursday morning. Just two hours later, it was parked near the hotel’s glass entrance when smoke began to billow from its rear.
Moments later, an explosion sent bursts of colorful fireworks into the sky, and a fire engulfed the truck. Dramatic footage released by law enforcement shows the sequence of events, with the final frames revealing a charred vehicle surrounded by debris.
“I was on the 53rd floor when I heard a loud bang,” said Stephen Ferlando, a guest at the hotel. “The windows started shaking, and when I looked down, I saw flames everywhere.”
Possible Terror Connections
The incident occurred less than 48 hours after a man, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, plowed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans while waving an Islamic State (IS) flag. Law enforcement confirmed improvised explosive devices were found at that scene, raising suspicions about a coordinated effort.
Sheriff McMahill confirmed investigators are examining whether the Las Vegas explosion could be connected. “We’re also looking into whether this could be tied to the hotel’s owner, President-elect Donald Trump, or Elon Musk, the manufacturer of the Cybertruck,” McMahill added.
The FBI, which is now involved, stressed that it had not yet classified the explosion as a terrorist act. “We know the public is eager for answers,” said FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz. “We are working tirelessly to confirm the identity of the driver and any possible affiliations.”
A Presidential Response
President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday evening, urging calm as investigations unfold. “We’re closely monitoring the situation in Las Vegas and its potential link to the New Orleans tragedy,” Biden said.
The president also acknowledged the possibility of a politically motivated attack, given Trump’s high-profile ownership of the hotel and his recent decision to appoint Musk to a presidential advisory commission.
Eric Trump, the former president’s son, released a statement calling the explosion “an unfortunate incident involving an electric vehicle fire.” He praised emergency responders for their swift action and reassured guests that their safety remains a top priority.
A Night of Terror
Guests were evacuated from the Trump Hotel following the blast, many relocating to nearby accommodations.
“I thought it was an earthquake at first,” said a tourist from California. “Then we saw the fireworks—it was terrifying.”
Fire department officials confirmed they quickly extinguished the blaze. Images from the aftermath showed a grim scene: burnt-out gas canisters, firework remnants, and twisted metal from the Cybertruck.
Unanswered Questions
The driver of the Cybertruck, whose identity remains undisclosed, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed the vehicle was rented through Turo, a car-sharing platform.
In a statement, Turo expressed its condolences to the victims and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. “We are heartbroken by the violence in Las Vegas and New Orleans,” the company said.
Sheriff McMahill said the investigation is still in its early stages, emphasizing the need for thorough analysis. “With an incident of this magnitude, particularly at such a prominent location, we must take every precaution to ensure public safety.”
A City on Edge
Las Vegas Boulevard, known for its bright lights and bustling activity, was eerily quiet in the hours following the explosion. Security has been ramped up across the city, with authorities urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant.
“We have no evidence of an ongoing threat,” McMahill assured the public. “But we are not taking any chances.”
As the nation grapples with the fallout from two high-profile incidents in less than a week, the coming days will likely bring more clarity—and perhaps, more questions.
For now, Las Vegas remains shaken but resilient, as authorities piece together the puzzle of what really happened outside one of its most recognizable landmarks.
