Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion: Terrorism Probe and New Orleans Link Investigated

Cybertruck Bombing Rocks Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas, NV (January 1, 2025, 8:55 a.m. PST) – A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas this morning, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. PST, rocked the Las Vegas Strip, sending debris flying and creating a scene of chaos. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the FBI are on the scene and have confirmed that the vehicle contained fireworks, gas canisters, and camping fuel. A terrorism investigation is underway.

Investigation Focuses on Terrorism, New Orleans Link

(January 1, 2025, 11:45 a.m. PST) – UPDATE: Authorities are investigating a possible connection between this explosion and a separate incident earlier today in New Orleans’ French Quarter. That incident involved a truck attack that resulted in 15 fatalities and 30 injuries. Sources suggest both suspects have military backgrounds and rented their vehicles through the peer-to-peer car sharing app, Turo. The FBI is actively exploring the possibility of a coordinated terrorist attack. In the Las Vegas incident, the Cybertruck contained fireworks, gas cans, and camping fuel, indicative of a planned explosion. In New Orleans, the truck reportedly displayed an ISIS flag and may have contained improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The New Orleans attacker has been identified as Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The identity of the Las Vegas driver is still pending confirmation, though sources indicate they also served in the military.

Driver Identified, Motive Remains Unclear: Investigation Continues

(January 2, 2025, 9:00 a.m. PST) – UPDATE: The driver of the Cybertruck has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a U.S. Army veteran. Authorities are working to confirm Livelsberger’s identity through DNA analysis. Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck through Turo in Colorado Springs, raising questions about how he transported the explosive materials across state lines undetected. A potential motive remains unclear, and investigators are exploring Livelsberger’s background and possible connections to other individuals or groups. The FBI continues to investigate the potential link between the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks, including exploring any communication or collaboration between Livelsberger and Jabbar. The presence of the ISIS flag in the New Orleans attack has also prompted investigation into potential international connections.

Timeline of Events:

FAQs:

• Was this an act of terrorism? The FBI is actively investigating that possibility, especially given the potential link to the New Orleans incident.
• Who was the driver? Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old U.S. Army veteran.
• How did the Cybertruck explode? The vehicle contained a combination of fireworks, gas canisters, and camping fuel, suggesting a deliberate act.
• What is the connection to New Orleans? Both incidents involved weaponized vehicles rented through Turo, potentially indicating a coordinated effort, which the FBI is investigating.
• Was Tesla at fault? Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that the explosion originated inside the vehicle and was not related to any malfunction of the Cybertruck itself. Sheriff Kevin McMahill even suggested the Cybertruck’s robust construction may have contained the blast, limiting casualties.

What We Still Don’t Know:

• Definitive Motive: While terrorism is a strong possibility, investigators are still working to determine the exact motivation behind the attack.
• Extent of Coordination: The nature and extent of any connection between the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents are still under investigation.
• Potential Network: Investigators are exploring whether Livelsberger acted alone or was part of a larger network.

Note: This is a developing story. Information may change as the investigation progresses. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.