Is there a link between New Orleans truck attack and Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion? What we know

On Wednesday, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of President-elect, Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver inside the Cybertruck. According to the police, the explosion was planned, as they suspect the incident was an act of terrorism:

"Our number one goal is to ensure that we have the proper identification of the subject involved. Following that, our second objective is to determine whether this was an act of terrorism or not," Jeremy Schwartz, special agent of the FBI Las Vegas stated.

Sheriff McMahill reported that the suspect drove the Tesla Cybertruck into the valet area, and remained for 15 to 20 seconds before exploding, killing the driver inside the vehicle. No one else was killed in the explosion. However, seven people standing nearby suffered minor injuries.

The FBI and local police departments are currently investigating the case and also looking for any possible link between Wednesday's Cybertruck explosion and the mass attack by a pickup truck driver in New Orleans. According to the authorities, both the Cybertruck and the pickup truck were rented from Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental company:

"We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families. We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents," a Turo spokesperson commented as per ABC News reports.

Tesla owner, Elon Musk, took to social media to express his thoughts on a possible link between the two incidents. However, the police have not confirmed anything yet as the investigation is underway:

"Appears likely to be an act of terrorism. Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way,” Musk wrote on X.

What do we know about the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion and the New Orleans truck attack?

According to the reports, the authorities, with the help of Elon Musk, were able to unlock the Cybertruck obtained video footage of the vehicle at a charging station, and followed its route. According to Sheriff McMahill, the cybertruck was rented through a car rental company named Turo in Colorado. Later on Wednesday, around 7:30 a.m. the Cybertruck arrived in Las Vegas, and within an hour the truck was pulled in front of Trump's hotel, where it ultimately exploded. The video footage also showed that some fireworks mortars, canisters, and several other explosives, including gasoline cans and camping fuel were crowded in the back of the Cybertruck. Following the incident, Tesla owner, Elon Musk, stated that his whole team was investigating the explosion. The hotel further stated on social media:

"We extend our gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response."

Eric Trump commented on the Cybertruck explosion incident in a statement:

"Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism."

The Cybertruck explosion took place just an hour after a truck attack in New Orleans, which killed nearly 15 people and injured dozens of people. The pickup truck was reportedly rented from Turo as well, which attacked the crowd on Bourbon Street during New Year's celebrations. The suspect was identified as a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas named Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was later killed in a firefight against the police. Jabbar got out of the truck and opened fire on police officers, injuring two officers. Upon investigation, the FBI officers found an ISIS flag inside the truck, and they recovered multiple video recordings that Jabbar allegedly made before the attack. According to the law enforcement officers, in these videos, Jabbar was not visible, but he could be heard talking about his personal life, his divorce, and his desire to kill family members. He also talked about joining ISIS in the videos.

"We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates. That's why we need the public's help," Althea Duncan, assistant special agent of the FBI New Orleans stated.

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The FBI and law enforcement officers have not yet confirmed any link between the two incidents, as the police are extensively investigating both cases:

"We are absolutely investigating any connectivity to what happened in New Orleans as well as other attacks that have been occurring around the world. We aren't ruling anything out." McMahill stated.

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