An explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday has prompted a terrorism investigation. Authorities are also exploring potential connections to a separate attack in New Orleans earlier the same day, though no evidence has linked the two incidents thus far.
According to investigators, the Cybertruck entered the valet area of the hotel and exploded within moments. The blast killed the driver, who remains the sole fatality, while seven others sustained minor injuries. The vehicle, rented in Colorado, was tracked arriving in Las Vegas earlier that morning through automated license plate readers.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police emphasized that any connection to the New Orleans event remains speculative. “We’re aware of the similarities,” he said, “but we haven’t identified any concrete link.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been assisting law enforcement by providing access to the truck’s systems and sharing video evidence from charging stations along the vehicle’s route. Video shown to the public revealed that the truck’s cargo area was packed with fireworks, gasoline, and fuel canisters, which were likely responsible for the blast.
The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now.
Will post more information as soon as we learn anything.
We’ve never seen anything like this. https://t.co/MpmICGvLXf
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
Officials confirmed that the Cybertruck had been rented via Turo, a platform also used in the New Orleans incident. Despite this detail, McMahill stated there was no indication of an ongoing threat to public safety, and investigators believe the Las Vegas suspect acted alone.
The Trump Organization’s Eric Trump commented on the explosion in a public statement, expressing gratitude to emergency responders and assuring the safety of hotel guests and staff. The hotel also released a statement highlighting the prompt actions of local authorities.
Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their…
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) January 1, 2025
President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation and instructed federal agencies to offer assistance if required.
Musk addressed online speculation by clarifying that the explosion had no connection to Tesla’s battery systems. “This was caused by large fireworks and explosives in the truck bed,” Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding that the event was unprecedented for the company.
We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.
All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. https://t.co/HRjb87YbaJ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
An official involved in the investigation corroborated Musk’s statement, noting, “This was not related to a battery malfunction,” dismissing earlier rumors.
The Trump International Hotel, which regularly operates under heightened security due to its ties to Donald Trump, was temporarily evacuated after the explosion. Authorities have since declared the area safe, with no further threats anticipated.
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