The FBI is investigating whether there is a connection between a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and a deadly truck attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. The explosion occurred on January 3, 2025, just hours after a separate incident in New Orleans, where a truck intentionally drove into a crowd celebrating the New Year, killing 15 people.
The Cybertruck burst into flames outside the Trump International Hotel around 8:40 a.m. local time. Witnesses captured videos of the explosion, showing large flames pouring from the vehicle. Authorities later discovered gasoline canisters and large fireworks mortars in the truck’s bed, suggesting it was an intentional attack. The sole occupant of the truck was found dead inside, while seven people suffered minor injuries. The vehicle had been rented in Colorado and arrived in Las Vegas earlier that morning before driving through the city’s Strip, a popular entertainment area.
FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz confirmed that the agency had identified the driver but withheld further details. Investigators have yet to establish a clear link between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack. The incident in New Orleans occurred just hours earlier, where a man drove a truck into a crowd in the French Quarter, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. The FBI is still evaluating whether the Las Vegas explosion is an act of terrorism, though no direct evidence has been found so far.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented that the explosion was unrelated to the Cybertruck itself, clarifying that the blast resulted from large fireworks or a bomb in the truck bed. Both vehicles used in the attacks were rented via the Turo car-sharing service.
In response to the explosion, the Trump Hotel was evacuated, with most visitors relocated to another hotel. As investigations continue, authorities are closely monitoring any potential links between the two events.
