Las Vegas authorities are investigating a dramatic explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel on Wednesday morning. The incident resulted in the death of the truck’s driver and minor injuries to seven individuals.
Officials are exploring potential links to a New Orleans attack earlier in the week that left 15 people dead.
The Cybertruck, rented in Colorado via the Turo app, arrived in Las Vegas less than two hours before the explosion.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill held an afternoon press conference and showed footage of the explosion as well as images of the aftermath, which included multiple gasoline canisters and enormous fireworks in the truck bed. Parked near the hotel’s glass entrance, it began smoking and exploded shortly after, sending multi-coloured fireworks shooting in various directions.
Emergency responders quickly extinguished the blaze and evacuated the hotel as a precaution. Footage released by law enforcement showed charred fuel canisters and firework mortars in the truck bed, which investigators believe contributed to the blast.
Connection to New Orleans attack
Authorities are examining whether the explosion could be connected to a New Orleans rampage that occurred earlier on New Year’s Day. In that incident, a truck carrying an Islamic State (IS) flag rammed into a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Improvised explosive devices were also found near the scene.
Also Read: Chaos and bloodshed: 15 dead in New Orleans attack tied to ISIL
Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted the similarities between the two events, including the use of rented vehicles and the presence of explosive materials. "Obviously, a Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel, there's lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward," he said.
Driver identified as army veteran
US media reports have identified the Cybertruck driver as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a US Army veteran from Colorado Springs. Authorities have been searching his residence for further evidence.
Livelsberger’s motives remain unclear, and the FBI is investigating whether the explosion was an act of terrorism. Authorities also said thus far, they had found no evidence that this incident was related to IS.
"I know everybody's interested in that word, and trying to see if we can say, 'Hey, this is a terrorist attack.' That is our goal, and that's what we're trying to do," FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz told reporters at a news conference.
Elon Musk and political connections
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed on social media that the explosion was caused by large fireworks and gas canisters stored in the truck bed, unrelated to the vehicle’s design. Musk also suggested the Cybertruck’s design minimized damage to the hotel by directing the blast upward.
"The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken," Musk posted on X.
Speculation about political motives has also emerged, given Musk’s recent collaboration with President-elect Donald Trump and the incident’s location at Trump’s hotel. However, authorities have not confirmed any direct connection.
Also Read: At least 10 dead after truck crashes into crowd in US
The FBI and Las Vegas Police Department continue to investigate, with a focus on determining whether the explosion was an isolated incident or part of a broader network. Turo, the app used to rent the Cybertruck, is cooperating with authorities, stating that neither renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents had a criminal record.
A spokeswoman stated that both renters did not appear to have a criminal history that would have "identified them as a security threat".
"We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families," according to a statement. The officials claim they have the name of the individual who hired the vehicle, but they haven't officially confirmed that it was the driver.
"As you can imagine, with an explosion here on an iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all of the precautions that we need to take to keep our community safe," he said at a news conference.
Sheriff McMahill assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to Las Vegas but emphasized the need for vigilance as investigations unfold.
The Trump Organization and Tesla have both commended emergency responders for their swift action. In an evening address, US President Joe Biden said the White House was monitoring the situation and law enforcement was looking into "whether there's any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans", which killed 15 people early on New Year's Day.
