A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, and authorities are currently investigating the incident as a terror attack.
(PLGNN) - A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Wednesday Morning, with fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel being connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver.
The driver of the Cybertruck was killed, and seven victims were hurt in the explosion, all of whom are in stable condition. The body of the driver has remained inside the Cybertruck as authorities continue their investigation. Currently, the identity of the driver has not been revealed.
The FBI is currently investigating whether the incident was a terrorist act, according to Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge for the FBI's Las Vegas office. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said that a vehicle fire was reported at the hotel at 8:40 a.m.
McMahill said, “The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside of the valet, because it had most of the blast go up through the truck and out,” and also mentioned that the glass doors to the hotel were not broken in the explosion.
“I have to thank Elon Musk specifically,” McMahill added, noting that Musk had been very transparent in the investigation, including sending authorities video from Tesla charging stations.
Just hours after the explosion, Musk posted to X, saying, "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."
One hour after his previous post, he posted again, saying, "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."
Shortly after, Musk followed up, saying, "Appears likely to be an act of terrorism. Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way."
Musk was referring to the New Years Day truck, which rammed in crowds on the famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans early morning Wednesday. The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, and the attacker had an ISIS flag attached to the back of their car. The FBI reported that the attacker made videos saying he joined ISIS, and believe that other individuals may have assisted in the deadly attack.
It's been noted by many on social media how the explosion outside of the Trump hotel seems symbolic, with President Donald Trump set to take office January 20. Elon Musk has been a vital part of Trump's campaign, and is set to run Trump's new government department, the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE.
The FBI is still investigating the incident, and no motive has yet been determined.
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