Authorities investigate a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas linked to Turo. The explosion happened right in front of Trump’s International Hotel. Are these terrorist attacks?
Las Vegas Explosion Details
The Las Vegas explosion occurred outside the Trump International Hotel, involving a Tesla Cybertruck rented through Turo. The blast resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. This tragic event closely follows a similar incident in New Orleans, where a Ford F-150 Lightning, also rented via Turo, caused numerous casualties in a crowd attack. The FBI is leading the investigation, examining possible links between the two incidents and scrutinizing Turo’s role in rental security.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, suggested the explosion might have been caused by fireworks or a bomb. Investigators have yet to confirm these theories. Meanwhile, the identity of the person found in the wreckage remains unidentified, adding more puzzle pieces to an already complex investigation.
BREAKING: Cybertruck which exploded at Trump Hotel in Las Vegas and truck used in New Orleans attack were both rented through carsharing app Turo – AP
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 1, 2025
Turo’s Security Measures Questioned
Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service, allows vehicle owners to rent out their cars but does not own these vehicles. The company started in 2010 as RelayRides and rebranded to Turo in 2015. To use Turo, renters provide personal details and a valid driver’s license. Despite these measures, incidents in Las Vegas and New Orleans highlight potential vulnerabilities, raising questions about how effectively Turo screens its users.
“We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat,” the statement said. “We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management.”
Turo is actively working with the FBI on the unfolding investigations. However, the revelations about vehicles rented through its platform underline the need for enhanced risk management practices. Turo insists no forewarning on the renters could have prevented these tragic events.
NEW: Turo confirms that both the truck used in the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas were rented through its service.
via @NickAtNews
— Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) January 2, 2025
Federal Response and Investigation
President Biden has reinforced the importance of conducting thorough investigations into both incidents to determine any connections. Initial inquiries have not confirmed links between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack. Concerns about a larger terrorist network persist, prompting deeper examination by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
President Biden stated, “Investigators are looking into whether the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans on Wednesday is linked to the detonation of a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas later in the day, but they have yet to find any connection between the two episodes.”
The unconnected nature of the background checks on renters might signify a coincidence rather than a coordinated threat. Authorities continue to probe Turo’s database and other relevant information, looking to prevent future incidents. The complexities of car-sharing platforms in the context of public safety and law enforcement remain a significant challenge.