Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has claimed that the recent explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was an act of terrorism. He lauded the vehicle’s robust design for mitigating the blast’s impact and preventing extensive damage to the property.
“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, his social media platform.
Do you think Kash Patel should investigate the Cybertruck explosion outside of Trump Tower (Trump International Hotel) in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day.
A. Yes
B. No#Terroristattack pic.twitter.com/ICrs5Wputz— Donald Trump News (@Trump_NewsX) January 1, 2025
Details of the Incident
The explosion occurred early Thursday morning when a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, reportedly rented through the car-sharing platform Turo, erupted in flames outside the hotel’s main entrance. According to Las Vegas police, the blast resulted in one death and seven minor injuries. The hotel was promptly evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Authorities confirmed that the explosion originated from materials stored in the truck’s bed. Items, including fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel, were linked to a detonation system believed to have been controlled by the driver.
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Jeremy Schwartz, the FBI’s special agent in charge in Las Vegas, stated that the agency’s joint terrorism task force is spearheading the investigation.
Potential Links to New Orleans Attack
The Las Vegas explosion’s timing has raised suspicions about a possible connection to a previous attack in New Orleans. During that incident, a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Authorities identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen and former military IT specialist, who was reportedly inspired by the Islamic State group.
Both vehicles involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks were rented through Turo. A spokesperson for the company stated that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement and emphasized that neither renter had a criminal background that would have flagged them as potential security threats.
The Role of the Tesla Cybertruck
Musk’s comments have highlighted the unique design of the Tesla Cybertruck, which he claims played a crucial role in minimizing the explosion’s damage. The vehicle’s structure reportedly directed the blast upwards, sparing the Trump International Hotel from significant harm. This has brought renewed attention to the Cybertruck’s durability and innovative engineering.
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on uncovering any links between the two incidents and determining the broader implications of these attacks. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
