Authorities are investigating an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel, discovering the vehicle was loaded with "fireworks-style mortars" in what officials are treating as a possible act of terror, ABC News reported.
Multiple agencies are investigating a possible connection between the Cybertruck explosion outside the hotel and the attack in New Orleans earlier Wednesday that killed 15 people, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sources.
Investigators in Las Vegas uncovered a significant clue in the explosion, learning the vehicle was loaded with "fireworks-style mortars," raising questions about the driver's intentions and the circumstances surrounding the blast.
The incident, which occurred in the valet area of the hotel, resulted in the death of the driver and minor injuries to seven bystanders.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the explosion, which caused a fire at the hotel's entrance. The fire was quickly extinguished.
Authorities have warned the public to avoid the area while they continue to investigate.
A key focus of the probe is determining whether the driver intended to cause the explosion and why the truck was carrying such volatile materials. "The presence of fireworks mortars in the vehicle has shifted our investigation toward uncovering a possible motive and assessing any criminal intent," an official briefed on the case told ABC News.
Police are treating the explosion as a potential act of terror until more evidence rules out other possibilities. While the motive remains unclear, the circumstances surrounding the blast suggest careful planning or dangerous negligence, according to authorities.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill reassured the public that there is no current threat but emphasized the need for caution. "We don't know what we don't know," he said.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose company manufactures the Cybertruck, commented on the incident on X, the social media platform he owns.
"The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now," Musk wrote. "We've never seen anything like this. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything."
The Trump Organization, which manages the hotel, also responded swiftly.
Eric Trump, the company's executive vice president, issued a statement expressing gratitude to first responders and reaffirming the safety of the property.
"The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority," he wrote.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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