Tesla Cybertruck explosion at Trump hotel probed as terrorism
Investigators are examining the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas as a potential act of terrorism, according to a CNN report citing a law enforcement source. The vehicle was loaded with a large number of fireworks, fuel, and had a detonation system.
A law enforcement representative stated that surveillance footage shows the vehicle's driver passing by the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas an hour before the detonation and then returning to the spot.
A few seconds after stopping in front of the doors, the car exploded, resulting in the driver's death, the vehicle catching fire, and a series of explosions. Seven people were slightly injured.
Inside the Tesla Cybertruck were fireworks and fuel canisters, which investigators believe were connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver. CNN reports that authorities are investigating whether the explosion was related to the Wednesday terrorist attack in New Orleans, but this has not been determined yet.
Elon Musk on the incident
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated on Platform X that the incident "looks like a probable act of terrorism." He added that both the Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 used in the New Orleans attack were rented using the Turo app.
Musk emphasized that Tesla's findings indicated the explosion was caused by a very large amount of fireworks "and/or a bomb" in the trunk of the car.
Elon Musk's close ties with the newly elected U.S. president are causing controversy. Recently, the billionaire was in conflict with some of Trump's right-wing supporters due to his support for immigrants, primarily from India, employed by tech companies on H-1B visas for specialized workers. Despite previous criticism of the program, Trump sided with Musk in the dispute.
