Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion Under Investigation as Possible Terrorist Attack

Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion Under Investigation as Possible Terrorist Attack

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Authorities are actively investigating a shocking explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel, treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. According to a report at ABC News, the explosion occurred on Wednesday after the Cybertruck, rented in Colorado, pulled into the hotel’s valet area and erupted in flames, leaving one person dead and seven others with minor injuries.

UPDATE:

The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck who was killed when the vehicle blew up outside of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as a Colorado resident and Army veteran.

Law enforcement sources confirmed to The Post that Matthew Livelsberger, 37, rented the electric pickup truck that went up in flames New Year’s Day in the valet area of the hotel.

Livelsberger was behind the wheel of the Tesla truck, which was packed with firework-style mortars, camping fuel and canisters, during the explosion, News5 reported early Thursday, citing law enforcement sources.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department addressed the media, confirming that investigators are exploring whether there are any connections between this explosion and the deadly truck attack in New Orleans, which occurred earlier the same day. However, ABC News reported that, as of now, no concrete links have been established between the two incidents.

As detailed by ABC News, the Tesla Cybertruck arrived at the Trump Las Vegas hotel and remained stationary in the valet area for approximately 15 to 20 seconds before exploding. The explosion resulted in the death of the driver, who remains the sole fatality at this point. Seven bystanders suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

NOW – Tesla Cybertruck explodes at Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.pic.twitter.com/7qSuqwnFUH

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 1, 2025

Authorities revealed that the truck was rented in Colorado and tracked via license plate readers, which detected its arrival in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning. Video footage played at the police press conference, as reported by ABC News, showed an array of highly flammable materials in the vehicle, including fireworks-style mortars, gasoline cans, and camping fuel canisters.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has played an active role in assisting law enforcement officials in their investigation. ABC News reported that Musk personally intervened to have the vehicle remotely unlocked after it auto-locked following the explosion. Tesla also provided video footage showing the suspect at various charging stations along the Cybertruck’s route from Colorado to Las Vegas.

On his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated, “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now. We’ve never seen anything like this. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything.” According to the information provided in the ABC News report, Musk’s cooperation has significantly aided investigators in piecing together the timeline of events leading up to the explosion.

The rental platform used for the Cybertruck has raised additional questions. Multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News that the Cybertruck in Las Vegas was rented using Turo—the same peer-to-peer car rental app reportedly used to secure the vehicle in the New Orleans truck attack. Authorities have reached out to Turo for further information, but as of now, the company has not provided a response.

Imagine trying to intimidate Trump and @elonmusk with a carbomb but you end up just killing yourself and running a @cybertruck ad campaign. pic.twitter.com/y3ZtXHnCdr

— Chloe Cole ⭐️ (@ChoooCole) January 2, 2025

While similarities exist in the rental method and the timing of the two incidents, ABC News reports that no definitive link has been established between the suspects or the motives behind the two attacks.

Despite the chaotic and alarming nature of the explosion, Sheriff McMahill reassured the public that the event was an “isolated incident” and that there is “no further threat to the community.” He added, “We believe everything is safe now,” emphasizing that investigators have found no evidence to suggest the Las Vegas suspect had accomplices or received outside assistance.

Looks like fireworks 🧨 were used in a possible terrorist attack. pic.twitter.com/h9ZhaOOUZr

— The Golden Mask (@maskedoccult) January 1, 2025

Nevertheless, the Trump Las Vegas property remains under heightened security, given its association with President-elect Donald Trump. The location has historically been the target of threats, prompting stringent safety protocols.

The explosion has not only shaken Las Vegas but also drawn national attention, particularly given its timing alongside the New Orleans attack. As the ABC News report highlighted, federal agencies are closely monitoring both cases to determine whether they are isolated incidents or part of a larger coordinated effort.

The use of rented vehicles in both attacks raises serious questions about oversight and security measures in peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms. Authorities are likely to examine whether existing safety protocols on platforms like Turo are sufficient to prevent malicious actors from exploiting these services.

While the investigation remains active, authorities are urging the public to stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement if they have any information about the suspect or the events leading up to the explosion. Sheriff McMahill assured the public that every lead is being thoroughly examined and that updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.

The signature vehicle of @elonmusk literally explodes in the portico of the Trump Hotel.

While there is no clear evidence about this one event, I personally think the Republicans better stand in unison like never before.

The left has gone mad. pic.twitter.com/EVsf3u1E4g

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 1, 2025

Meanwhile, Elon Musk and Tesla’s senior team continue their internal investigation into the Cybertruck explosion, as reported by ABC News. Musk has pledged to share additional findings with the public as soon as they are verified.

The investigation into the explosive incident involving a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas continues to unfold, with new details emerging about the cause of the blast. According to ABC News, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), that 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.” However, ABC News notes that Musk’s claim has not yet been independently verified by law enforcement officials.

Speculation initially swirled online about whether the Cybertruck’s lithium-ion battery might have been the source of the blast, given past incidents involving Tesla vehicle batteries catching fire. However, ABC News cited an official briefed on the investigation who stated unequivocally that “this was not a lithium battery” explosion. The official emphasized that the explosion was linked to the payload in the truck bed, not the vehicle’s internal systems.

Video evidence reviewed by investigators, according to ABC News, shows fireworks-style mortars, gasoline cans, and camping fuel canisters in the bed of the Cybertruck. These materials are believed to have triggered the powerful blast that killed the driver and injured seven bystanders.

Trump declared a global war on deep state together with Elon Musk.
They tried to kill him but they couldn’t succeed. This time they sent a message to Musk himself: We need to protect both at all costs. pic.twitter.com/RAMhm3ex0a pic.twitter.com/mIqBut2fj7

— Frankie™️🦅 (@B7frankH) January 1, 2025

Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and son of former President Donald Trump, addressed the incident publicly. As reported by ABC News, Eric Trump posted on social media, stating: “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 gravity of the incident has drawn attention from the highest levels of government. ABC News reported that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the explosion and has directed his team to offer federal assistance if needed. The White House reiterated its commitment to supporting local authorities as they continue their investigation.

While the investigation remains ongoing, the ABC News report highlighted that the Tesla Cybertruck itself is not believed to be the cause of the explosion. Elon Musk’s direct involvement in assisting authorities, including providing access to vehicle data and surveillance footage from charging stations along the vehicle’s journey, has been a critical element in advancing the investigation.

However, the involvement of fireworks, gasoline, and explosive materials in the truck bed raises significant questions about the suspect’s motives and whether this incident could be tied to broader threats. As ABC News reported, officials have not ruled out the possibility of connections to other recent attacks, including the New Orleans truck-ramming incident.

Sheriff McMahill reassured the public that this was an “isolated incident” and that there is “no further threat to the community.” Nevertheless, heightened security measures remain in place around Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, reflecting the property’s status as a frequent target of threats due to its association with former President Donald Trump.

Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, remain deeply involved in the investigation, examining potential links between the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents. As the ABC News report indicated, federal and local authorities are working collaboratively to piece together a clear timeline of events, identify possible accomplices, and understand the suspect’s motivations.

While the Cybertruck explosion appears to have been an isolated event, ABC News emphasized that public safety remains a top priority for local, state, and federal authorities. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in public spaces and the potential dangers posed by unconventional explosive devices in civilian vehicles.

Elon Musk’s continued updates on X suggest Tesla remains committed to full transparency regarding the incident. In his latest post, Musk assured the public that “We’ve never seen anything like this. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything.”

Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. With federal agencies and Tesla working in tandem, the hope is that further clarity will emerge in the coming days.