A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside Trump Tower in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders. The incident, which occurred in front of the iconic property, has raised questions about safety, motives, and the vehicle itself.
What Happened Near Trump Tower?
Drone footage and images released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department show the aftermath of the explosion. The rear of the Cybertruck, a rented vehicle, contained charred gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars.
Footage from nearby surveillance cameras captured the moment the vehicle's rear exploded in a massive fireball. Despite the force of the blast, the Cybertruck's robust construction minimized damage. The side panels remained intact, and the glass doors at Trump Tower were unharmed.
Statements from Authorities and Tesla
Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on social media, emphasizing that the explosion was not caused by the vehicle. “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. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion,” Musk wrote.
Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed during a press briefing that the identity of the driver remains unknown due to the severity of the blast. However, authorities traced the Cybertruck’s movements through Tesla’s charging network with Musk's cooperation.
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Terrorism Concerns?
Authorities have not officially classified the explosion as a terrorist attack. Jeremy Schwartz, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Las Vegas office, stated, “We believe this is an isolated incident. We do not believe there is any other danger to the community right now.”
However, Musk suggested otherwise, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Appears likely to be an act of terrorism.” The timing of the incident adds to speculation, as it followed another tragic event in New Orleans, where a truck driver killed 15 people during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Links to Trump Tower
The location of the explosion, directly outside a property owned by president-elect Donald Trump, has also drawn attention. Sheriff McMahill acknowledged the relationship between Musk and Trump, saying, “There’s obviously things to be concerned about there and stuff we continue to look at.”
What’s Next?
Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the explosion and whether it has any connection to terrorism. While no overt symbols of terrorism were found on the vehicle, authorities are leaving no stone unturned.
For now, officials stress that the community is not at risk. More updates are expected as the investigation continues.