The day after the car-ramming attack and the shooting in New Orleans, which cost the lives of 15 people, the American media revealed new information this Thursday morning. Shortly after the attack, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded near the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. According to CNNauthorities are now examining a possible link between the two events.
Authorities believe fireworks, gas cylinders and camping fuel were connected to an explosive system controlled by the driver of the vehicle, the US channel reported. In addition, the vehicle was rented from the company “Turo”, the same one used by the perpetrator of the New Orleans attack.
The Las Vegas Sheriff noted that because it was a Cybertruck, external damage was minimal as most of the explosion was contained inside the vehicle. He said although the hotel's doors were made of glass, they were not broken by the explosion. “I have to specifically thank Elon Musk,” he added, noting that Musk provided authorities with “a lot of additional information,” including direct video transmission to police from Tesla charging stations to help track the driver.
US media also reported that the attack occurred despite repeated intelligence warnings of an increased terrorist threat over the past year, particularly after October 7. Authorities have identified the Afghan branch of Daesh, known as ISIS-K, as a particular threat.
US President Joe Biden said after the attack that the perpetrator had left writings expressing support for ISIS. “Our hearts are with the people of New Orleans, the investigation remains active and no one should jump to conclusions. Additionally, we are following the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas,” Biden added. “I have directed my team to ensure that all resources are available to law enforcement to quickly complete the investigation in New Orleans and ensure that no threat remains to the American people.”
