U.S. authorities are probing whether the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was an act of terrorism. FBI lead agent Jeremy Schwartz revealed this at a news conference on Wednesday.
The explosion, which occurred shortly after the vehicle stopped in front of the hotel’s glass entrance, killed the truck’s driver and left seven others with minor injuries, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that investigators have identified the individual who rented the truck in Colorado. However, he withheld the name pending notification of next of kin and further confirmation. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle driving along Las Vegas Boulevard before stopping and detonating in front of the hotel.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, but McMahill disclosed that drone footage from the aftermath revealed charred remnants of petrol canisters and fireworks among the wreckage.
The investigation is also exploring a potential link between the Las Vegas explosion and a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. In that incident, a rented pickup truck plowed into a crowd, killing 15. Both vehicles were rented through the same platform, though no immediate connection to organized groups, such as ISIS, has been established.
“We are not ruling anything out,” McMahill said, adding that there is no evidence of further threats to the community.
Authorities have assured the public that ongoing investigations aim to uncover the motives and prevent future incidents.
