Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has reacted to the explosion by a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, stating that the attacker picked the wrong vehicle for terrorism.
The billionaire techpreneur also suggested that the attacker might be carrying fireworks or a bomb in the rented Tesla-made vehicle.
One person was killed and at least seven others were injured after the cybertruck exploded outside on Wednesday morning.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitterl handle on Thursday, Musk said: “The explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck.
“The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards.”
“Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken,” he added.
Authorities were also investigating possible links to an earlier attack in New Orleans that left 15 dead.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department described the incident as “isolated” during a news conference, but acknowledged investigators had not ruled out connections to the earlier New Orleans attack.
The Cybertruck, reportedly rented through Turo in Colorado, arrived in Las Vegas at around 7:30am and was seen driving along Las Vegas Boulevard before pulling into the Trump Hotel. At 8:40am, the explosion occurred at the porte cochère of the hotel, igniting a fire and causing a temporary evacuation of the building.
Sheriff McMahill revealed that gas canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars were found in the truck’s bed, but how they were ignited remained unclear. He confirmed that the driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was killed in the explosion. As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities were working to identify the deceased.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was assisting in determining whether the incident qualified as an act of terrorism. Jeremy Schwartz, the FBI’s acting special agent in charge in Las Vegas, said, “We’re investigating whether this was an act of terrorism or not… That is our goal, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Although there was no evidence linking the Las Vegas incident to ISIS, which President Biden cited as the inspiration for the New Orleans attack.
Turo, the car rental platform used for the Cybertruck, confirmed its cooperation with authorities. A spokesperson said, “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.”
Videos on social media captured the Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside the Trump Hotel’s lobby entrance. Oscar Terol, a visitor from Barcelona, was heading toward the hotel entrance with his wife when the explosion occurred. “Those 10 seconds were the difference,” he said, describing the flames and colourful fireworks erupting from the vehicle.
Inside the hotel, guests recalled the chaotic scene. Todd Hansen, who was on the 27th floor, heard loud popping sounds and observed smoke when he descended to the lobby. Kerri Ford of Wisconsin, in town for her wedding, had to leave her dress and marriage license behind during the evacuation.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organisation, said in a statement, “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority.” The Trump Las Vegas social media account echoed the sentiment, reassuring the public that measures were in place to ensure safety.
Meanhwile, the explosion occurred amid growing scrutiny of Musk’s close relationship with President-elect Donald J. Trump. Musk, who was staying at Mar-a-Lago, has been tapped by Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. Federal filings show Musk spent over $250 million supporting Trump’s campaign.
