January 2, 2025
… we knew we had a much larger event than just a vehicle fire.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill on what’s believed to be an intentional explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas: “We believe this to be an isolated incident.”
Why It Matters: Seven people reported minor injuries, and one person is dead after what is being investigated as an intentional explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The FBI is investigating the incident through its Joint Terrorism Task Force but did not call it a “terrorist attack” at this time; the FBI says the investigation will continue.
Local law enforcement said they believed there was “no further threat to the community” and did not confirm any connection to the ongoing investigation into a suspected terrorist attack in New Orleans on the same day.
The Basics:
Who: Law enforcement did not identify the suspect, believed to be deceased in the truck after the explosion. The sheriff says they have a name but will not release it to the public yet pending further investigation.
What: An explosion of a Cybertruck about 15 seconds after it arrived outside the hotel, parking at the front doors.
When: Approximately 8:40 a.m. January 1, 2025. According to the sheriff, the Cybertruck arrived in Las Vegas at 7:30 a.m. and drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard for an hour before parking in front of Trump International Hotel.
Where: The Trump Hotel sits slightly off of Las Vegas’ main strip, on Fashion Show Drive.
Why: Motive remains TBD.
Of Note: The 2024 Cybertruck was rented from the same company that was used by the suspect in the ongoing investigation of the terrorist attack in New Orleans:
“’We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families,’ said a spokesperson for Turo who added that the company is ‘actively partnering’ with law enforcement.
“’We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat,’ the spokesperson said. ‘We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management, thanks to our world-class trust and safety technologies and teams that include experienced former law enforcement professionals.’” (CNN)
Read More: Las Vegas Sheriff’s Office on X
by Jenna Lee, Founder of SmartHER News
