Police Investigating Cybertruck Blast In Front Of Trump Hotel In Las Vegas
Federal sources disclosed to ABC News that the investigation into a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel on Wednesday has expanded into Colorado. Authorities are examining the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
According to ABC News, the FBI is now conducting operations in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in connection to the blast. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is assisting in the investigation.
Sources revealed that the Cybertruck was rented through the Turo app and picked up in Colorado earlier on Wednesday by individuals traveling to Las Vegas.
A hotel representative stated that the truck exploded moments after the driver pulled into the valet area. The driver, who remains the sole fatality, was killed instantly, while seven others sustained injuries, according to law enforcement.
Witnesses reported that the truck had been stationary outside the hotel for approximately 15 to 20 seconds before the explosion occurred.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been actively cooperating with investigators, as confirmed by the sheriff. Musk provided access to the Cybertruck, which had auto-locked during the explosion, and shared surveillance footage showing the suspect at charging stations along the route from Colorado to Las Vegas.
Detectives are also exploring any potential connections to another attack in New Orleans earlier on Wednesday. Preliminary findings suggest that the Cybertruck involved in the New Orleans incident was also rented via Turo, but no definitive link has been established.
At a Las Vegas press conference, authorities shared video footage showing the truck's cargo, which appeared to include explosives resembling fireworks, gas cans, and camping fuel containers.
WATCH:
Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that the incident is believed to be an “isolated incident” and assured the public that “there is no further threat to the community.” He also noted that investigators do not suspect anyone else was involved in aiding the Las Vegas attacker.
“We believe everything is safe now,” McMahill stated.
The Trump Las Vegas property has been under increased security due to numerous threats linked to its affiliation with President-elect Donald Trump.
Elon Musk, a known ally of Trump, addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything.”
Later, Musk provided an update: “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.” It is unclear if Musk’s claim has been independently verified.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, shared his thoughts on social media, saying:
“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 swift response and professionalism.”
The Trump Las Vegas hotel also issued a similar statement on X:
“Earlier today a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety & well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response.”
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the explosion near the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and has directed his team to offer any necessary federal assistance.