Authorities in the United States are investigating whether an explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas is connected to the deadly car-ramming incident in New Orleans, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. The explosion occurred just hours after the attack in New Orleans, where a man drove a truck into a crowd, killing 15 and injuring 35 people. The blast at the Trump Hotel involved a Tesla Cybertruck filled with firework mortars and fuel canisters, leading to an intense investigation by local authorities and the FBI.
The explosion occurred around 8:40 AM PT, near the glass entrance of the Trump Hotel, a prominent landmark located on Las Vegas Boulevard. The Tesla Cybertruck, which had been rented from the Turo car rental service, was parked outside the hotel before it began to smoke and exploded. Dramatic footage captured the truck erupting in a fireball, sending multi-colored fireworks in every direction. Seven people were injured in the explosion, though their injuries were reported to be minor.
Las Vegas Explosion Details
The truck was parked for several seconds before the explosion, and investigators later found large firework mortars and multiple fuel canisters in the bed of the vehicle. Authorities believe that the vehicle was filled with explosive materials designed to cause a massive detonation. Las Vegas Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill released photos showing the aftermath, including the remnants of fireworks and fuel containers scattered around the site.
“We are looking at whether there is any link to the New Orleans attack or if it’s connected to something more significant,” said Sheriff McMahill during a press conference. “At this point, we are exploring all possibilities.”
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Investigation Into Possible Terrorism Connection
The FBI is investigating whether the Las Vegas explosion might be an act of terrorism. However, they have yet to confirm any links to terrorist organizations such as ISIS, despite the presence of improvised explosive devices near the scene in New Orleans. The agency has also not revealed the identity of the driver who died in the explosion, though authorities have confirmed that the vehicle was rented shortly before the blast.
“We are trying to determine if this could be connected to the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” said FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz. “At the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that the Las Vegas explosion is directly linked to ISIS or any other extremist groups, but we are continuing our investigation.”
Possible Links to Trump and Musk
Another element of the investigation is the potential connection to high-profile figures such as President-Elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The Trump Hotel is owned by Trump’s company, and the Tesla vehicle involved in the explosion was manufactured by Musk’s company. Investigators are considering whether the explosion was targeting the hotel or had other motives behind it.
“Given the timing and location of the explosion, we are looking at all potential connections,” said Sheriff McMahill. “We can’t rule anything out at this stage, including possible links to the Trump family or Tesla.”
Both Trump and Musk have ties to the incident, with Musk recently being named to a presidential advisory commission by Trump. While there is no evidence to support a direct connection at this time, authorities are keeping all avenues open as the investigation progresses.
Evacuation and Public Safety
In the wake of the explosion, the Trump Hotel was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Guests were moved to other locations, and emergency responders worked quickly to extinguish the fire caused by the explosion. The Las Vegas Fire Department, along with local law enforcement, acted swiftly to secure the area and ensure that there was no further threat to public safety.
“We are grateful for the fast response from the fire department and law enforcement,” said Eric Trump, son of President-Elect Donald Trump, in a statement. “The safety of our guests and staff is our highest priority.”
Witnesses described the explosion as intense, with some saying the windows of nearby buildings shook from the force of the blast. Stephen Ferlando, a guest at the Trump Hotel, told the Washington Post that he felt the impact from his hotel room on the 53rd floor. “There was definitely an explosion, and the windows started shaking. It was a terrifying experience,” he said.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities in both Las Vegas and New Orleans are working together to uncover any potential connections between the two incidents. While there is currently no confirmation of a link, officials are not ruling out the possibility of terrorism or other motives. As of now, there are no immediate threats to public safety in Las Vegas, and the situation is under control.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on both the New Orleans attack and the explosion in Las Vegas. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and law enforcement is doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the public,” Biden said in an address. “Investigators are also looking into whether there is a possible connection between the two events.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the area around the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas while they continue their work.
