Tesla Cyber truck explosion outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas investigated as possible act of terrorism
Detectives don't think there's "any other danger to the community right now," FBI agent Jeremy Schwartz stated during a press conference on Wednesday night.
"We do not believe that there's a bunch of folks out there supporting this or helping this," Schwartz stated.
Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active duty U.S. Army service member serving in Germany who was on leave in Colorado at the time of the incident, hired the Cybertruck, according to law enforcement sources who spoke to CBS News. Two of Livelsberger's family members told CBS News that he had rented a Cybertruck but denied any participation in the incident. A family member informed CBS News that Livelsberger had not communicated with his wife for a number of days.
After the explosion, which happened around 15 seconds after the car pulled in front of the building, McMahill reported that huge firework mortars, gasoline canisters, and camp fuel canisters were discovered in the back of the car. "How the explosives were ignited is still unknown," he said.
According to the sheriff, the truck landed in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning after being rented in Colorado.
"We are aware of the truck's renter. McMahill stated, "We are looking at that individual," refusing to give a name until authorities were positive of the person's identity.
Police and city marshals "will remain on extra alert," according to Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, who also warned residents to anticipate "a significant officer presence on the Strip, in the downtown and throughout the valley for the next 2 days."
The explosion happened just hours after a man purposefully crashed a pickup vehicle into a group of partygoers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least fifteen people. His car was flying an ISIS flag, and the FBI stated it contained "weapons and a potential IED," or improvised explosive device.
Investigators were investigating a number of strange parallels between the events in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Not only did both attacks occur on New Year's Day, but they also used trucks that were booked through the Turo carsharing app. Both featured military personnel who were born in the United States and served in Afghanistan at roughly the same period.
While law enforcement and the intelligence community are looking into whether the Las Vegas explosion is connected to the New Orleans attack, President Biden stated Wednesday night that "thus far there's nothing to report."
Investigators were investigating a number of strange parallels between the events in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Not only did both attacks occur on New Year's Day, but they also used trucks that were booked through the Turo carsharing app. Both featured military personnel who were born in the United States and served in Afghanistan at roughly the same period.
While law enforcement and the intelligence community are looking into whether the Las Vegas explosion is connected to the New Orleans attack, President Biden stated Wednesday night that "thus far there's nothing to report."