LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating after a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
WATCH | Metro police provide more updates on the Cybertruck explosion
WATCH | Metro police share details on Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning
According to officials, a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck pulled up to the Trump Hotel glass entrance doors in the valet area before exploding.
WATCH | Video shows Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas
WATCH | Viewer video shows the aftermath of the explosion
One person, who was inside the Tesla, is confirmed dead and seven others were injured, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
Two of the people injured were taken to University Medical Center, where they have since been released.
WATCH | Channel 13 spoke to someone who was staying at the hotel. He shared what he saw before he evacuated:
Investigators have not said what caused the blast, whether it was something wrong with the vehicle, something external or some sort of explosive inside the vehicle.
Until a motive is determined and other possibilities are ruled out, police are treating the explosion like a possible criminal act and a possible act of terror, according to a report by ABC News.
We've also learned that the Cybertruck was rented from the car rental company Turo, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. Authorities in New Orleans are also investigating a possible act of terrorism after a truck drove into a crowd early this morning. The truck in this attack was also rented from Turo, but authorities have not confirmed if the two attacks are related.
In reference to the Las Vegas explosion, Turo released the following statement:
We are heartbroken to learn that one of our host’s vehicles was involved in this awful incident. We are actively partnering with the FBI. We are not currently aware of anything in this guest’s background that would have identified him as a trust and safety threat.
Turo later released more to their statement, saying in part:
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. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management, thanks to our world-class trust and safety technologies and teams that include experienced former law enforcement professionals.
In a press briefing, Sheriff McMahill said the Cybertruck was rented in Colorado and arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The explosives inside the Cybertruck were described as fireworks, gas tanks and gaming fuel, which authorities believe were connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver, according to a report from CNN.
As police continue to investigate whether what took place was a malicious act, the sheriff said he does not believe there is any further threat to the community.
"We believe everything is safe now," said Sheriff McMahill.
But he did warn the public to stay away, saying, "We don't know what we don't know."
Authorities also confirmed that anyone who was staying at the hotel has been moved to Resorts World.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County Fire Department and the FBI are all assisting in the investigation.
"Our number one goal is to ensure we have the proper identification of the subject involved in this incident," said Jeremy Schwartz, the acting special agent in charge of the Las Vegas FBI field office. "Following that, our second objective is to determine whether this incident was an act of terrorism or not."
Authorities finally towed the Cybertruck from the hotel property late Wednesday evening.
Looks like a tow truck has moved the cybertruck from the Trump Hotel entrance. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/Xz7kJbUlL6
— Jhovani Carrillo (@JhovaniNews) January 2, 2025
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Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley released the following statement on X:
After the cyber truck explosion at the Trump Tower this morning, law enforcement has confirmed that there is no active threat to the community at this time and this appears an isolated incident. Seven people had minor injuries and are being treated at UMC. @lvmpd
and our city marshals will remain on extra alert with a significant officer presence on the Strip, in the downtown and throughout the valley for the next 2 days. Thanks to our law enforcement and public safety partners, including the city's @lasvegasfd Bomb Squad, for their swift response this morning
Eric Trump released the following statement on social media Wednesday:
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.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, released the following statement 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.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and has directed his team to offer any federal assistance needed, according to ABC News.
Metro police are asking the community that if they see anything suspicious to please report it immediately. You can do so online at snctc.org. If you are in or see an emergency, call 911.
This is a developing situation. We will update this report as more information is made available.