Tesla Cybertruck explosion at Trump hotel probed as terrorism
Investigators are examining the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas as a potential act of terrorism, according to CNN, which cites a law enforcement source. The vehicle was reportedly loaded with a large number of fireworks, fuel, and had a detonation system.
A law enforcement representative stated that surveillance footage shows the vehicle's driver passing by the entrance of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas one hour before the explosion, then returning to the location.
A few seconds after stopping in front of the doors, the car exploded, resulting in the driver's death, the vehicle catching fire, and a series of further explosions. Seven people sustained minor injuries.
Inside the Tesla Cybertruck, there were fireworks and fuel canisters, which investigators say were connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver. CNN reports that authorities investigating the incident are checking whether the explosion was linked to Wednesday's terrorist attack in New Orleans, though this has not yet been established.
Elon Musk on the incident
Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, stated on platform X that the case "appears to be a probable act of terrorism." He added that both the Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 used in the New Orleans attack were rented through the Turo app.
Musk highlighted that Tesla's findings indicated the explosion was caused by a very large amount of fireworks "and/or a bomb" in the trunk of the car.
Elon Musk's close ties with the newly elected US president are causing controversy. Recently, the billionaire has been in conflict with some of Trump's right-wing supporters due to his support for immigrants—mainly from India—employed by tech companies on H-1B visas for specialised workers. Despite previous criticism of the programme, Trump sided with Musk in the dispute.
