Tesla explosion at Trump hotel raises terrorism concerns
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 CNN, citing a law enforcement source. The vehicle was loaded with numerous fireworks, fuel, and had a detonation system.
A law enforcement representative reported that surveillance footage shows the vehicle's driver passing by the entrance of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, one hour before the detonation, 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 sustained minor injuries.
Inside the Tesla Cybertruck were fireworks and fuel canisters, which investigators say were connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver. CNN reports that authorities investigating the incident are checking whether the explosion was linked to Wednesday's terrorist attack in New Orleans, but this has not yet been established.
Elon Musk on the incident
Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, stated on Platform X that the case "appears to be a probable act of terrorism." He added that both the Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 used in the New Orleans attack were rented through the Turo app.
Musk highlighted that Tesla's findings indicated the explosion was caused by a very large number of fireworks "and/or a bomb" in the trunk of the car.
Elon Musk's close ties with the newly elected US president are causing controversy. Recently, the billionaire has been in a conflict with some of Trump's right-wing supporters due to his support for immigrants—mainly from India—employed by tech companies on H-1B visas for specialised workers. Despite previous criticism of the program, Trump sided with Musk in the dispute.
