Trump Hotel Cybertruck Blast: What We Know About Possible Terrorist Attack

The Cybertruck explosion in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack. Police found gasoline tanks, camping fuel and large firework mortars in the back of the vehicle. Newsweek reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Tesla and the Trump International Hotel via email for comment. Why It Matters One person died, and seven more suffered from minor injuries due to the fire that erupted in the hotel’s valet area at around 8:40 a.m. local time, according to authorities. Clark County Fire Department crews work outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas after the fire and explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in the valet area, on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Clark County Fire Department crews work outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas after the fire and explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in the valet area, on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Associated Press What To Know Police have yet to determine what caused the incident and are investigating whether it was an act of terrorism. Authorities say they believe there is no longer a threat to the community but told the public to stay clear of the area. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said, “We believe everything is safe now.” However, he added, “We don’t know what we don’t know.” Eva McMillan, a Florida-based specialist in luxury waterfront real estate and self-identified Tesla car owner and Tesla shareholder, shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday appearing to show the moment the Cybertruck went up in flames. The hotel has 64 stories and is near popular attractions like the Las Vegas Strip and the Fashion Show Las Vegas shopping mall. Tesla’s Cybertruck explosion at the entrance to Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was not a coincidence. Tesla’s are very safe and don’t just explode?????? pic.twitter.com/SWVlUETD5D — Eva McMillan ?? (@EvasTeslaSPlaid) January 1, 2025 Musk’s pro-Trump political action committee, America PAC, shared footage of the back of the Cybertruck in a Fox News segment that included commentary saying, “The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside of the valet, because it had most of the blast go up, through the truck and out…The front glass doors at the Trump hotel were not even broken.” NEW FOOTAGE: “The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside of the valet, because it had most of the blast go up, through the truck and out… The glass doors at the Trump hotel were not even broken.” pic.twitter.com/XtztqmZAYr — America (@america) January 2, 2025 Musk also rebuked the mainstream media for its reporting on the explosion. An X user who goes by Doge Designer wrote: “Media headlines are misleading audiences, suggesting the Cybertruck caught fire or exploded due to a malfunction.” Musk replied, “You don’t hate the legacy media enough.” None of the headlines explicitly stated that a malfunction caused the Cybertruck explosion. Musk also suggested on X that it was “maybe” time to sue news outlets that framed the incident as a manufacturing error. You don’t hate the legacy media enough https://t.co/wVq5JbmY5g — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 2, 2025 What People Are Saying Tesla CEO Elon Musk, on X: “We have now confirmed 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. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.” Musk said in a follow-up post: “Law enforcement currently believes it was most likely intentional.” He also said in a previous post that Tesla has “never seen anything like this.” Jeremy Schwartz, acting FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Las Vegas office, at a news conference: “I know you have a lot of questions,” adding, “We don’t have a lot of answers.” Eric Trump, the president-elect’s second-eldest son and one of the executive vice presidents of his father’s real estate company, the Trump Organization, on X: “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,” he added. Melania Trump, the president-elect’s wife, on X: “The incidents of violence that have impacted our communities are deeply concerning. The brutality must stop. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families who are experiencing such profound grief and loss. Let us strive for a future where peace prevails.” The post didn’t name the Cybertruck event. However, it comes amid the fallout from that incident and an incident in New Orleans early Wednesday morning in which at least 15 people were killed and 30 others injured after a man drove a truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street. Eva McMillan, on X: “Tesla’s Cybertruck explosion at the entrance to Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was not a coincidence. Tesla’s are very safe and don’t just explode.” What Happens Next The Las Vegas Police Department said it is investigating the fire and explosion. At Wednesday’s news conference, Schwartz confirmed that the FBI is also involved in the investigation. Meanwhile, Las Vegas authorities said they are working to get the deceased body out of the Cybertruck. Update 1/1/25, 5:23 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information. Update 1/1/25, 7:26 p.m. ET: This article was updated with an X post by Elon Musk. Update 1/1/25, 9:29 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information. Update 1/1/25, 10:49 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.