Melania Trump Reacts After New Year’s Day Incidents: ‘Brutality Must Stop’

Former First Lady Melania Trump has spoken out following the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In a statement, Melania Trump called for unity, urging Americans to “strive for a future where peace prevails” after two incidents of violence just hours apart left many injured.

Las Vegas police confirmed that one person was killed and several others were injured when the Cybertruck exploded in the valet area of Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday.

“The incidents of violence that have impacted our communities are deeply concerning. The brutality must stop. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families who are experiencing such profound grief and loss,” Melania Trump wrote.

Federal investigators have expanded their search for evidence related to the explosion, which is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism. According to ABC News, authorities are now operating in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in connection with the incident. The FBI, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), is involved in the investigation.

Witnesses reported that the truck burst into flames as it entered the valet area. Police confirmed that the driver was the sole fatality, while seven others sustained injuries.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is cooperating with investigators, according to local authorities. Musk reportedly unlocked the truck remotely after it auto-locked during the explosion and provided law enforcement with surveillance footage showing the suspect at charging stations en route from Colorado to Las Vegas.

At a news conference, police revealed footage showing a significant load of explosives, including fireworks, gas cans, and camping fuel containers, in the truck bed. Investigators are exploring whether there is any connection to an earlier attack in New Orleans, though no links have been confirmed.

Sources also disclosed that the Cybertruck involved in the Las Vegas explosion, like the vehicle in the New Orleans attack, was rented through the Turo app.

Musk, a vocal Trump ally, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Tesla’s senior team is actively investigating the matter. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” Musk wrote, adding later that the explosion appeared to be caused by “very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck” and was unrelated to the vehicle itself. This claim has not yet been independently verified.

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, addressed the incident on social media.

“Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas,” he wrote. “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 swift response and professionalism.”

The Trump International Hotel also released a statement via X, emphasizing the safety of its guests and staff.

The White House announced that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the explosion and had instructed his team to provide federal assistance as needed.