Tragedy struck on New Year day as a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in LaVegas resulting in one fatality and at least seven injuries. The explosion occurred around 8:40 AM local time, shortly after the vehicle had pulled into the hotel’s valet area. The driver, identified as Master Sgt. Matthew Alan Livelsberger, was the only occupant of the truck and was killed in what some have described as a politically motivated suicide bombing.
Authorities reported that the Cybertruck contained several hazardous materials, including gas canisters, camp fuel canisters, and firework mortars. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) stated that it was unclear how these materials were ignited but confirmed that they were present in the vehicle’s bed at the time of the explosion. Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to the community and described the incident as an “isolated event,” although investigators are also examining potential links to a recent attack in New Orleans that resulted in multiple fatalities.
The FBI is involved in investigating whether this explosion could be classified as an act of terrorism. Acting FBI special agent Jeremy Schwartz noted that determining a motive is crucial to understanding whether this incident is connected to broader threats. The truck had been rented by Livelsberger through Turo in Colorado, and authorities are working to trace its movements leading up to the explosion. Tesla responded by providing Video footage from Tesla charging stations which has aided investigators in this effort.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, commented on the incident via social media, stating that the explosion was caused by “very large fireworks and/or a bomb” carried within the Cybertruck. He clarified that the vehicle itself was functioning properly at the time of the explosion.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as smoke billowed from the vehicle before it detonated. Videos shared on social media captured moments of panic as guests were evacuated from the hotel. Some individuals reported hearing loud popping sounds prior to seeing flames erupt from the Cybertruck. Guests were also relocated to nearby hotels following the explosion, which left significant damage to the area but miraculously did not shatter any glass doors at the Trump Hotel.
In response to this incident, local authorities have increased security measures around prominent locations in Las Vegas. Sheriff McMahill reassured residents that there was no immediate danger following this event. The safety of guests and staff remains a top priority for hotel management, as reiterated by Eric Trump, son of former and President Elect Donald Trump.
This incident has raised concerns given its proximity to a similar attack earlier that day in New Orleans, where a vehicle drove into a crowd, killing at least 15 people. Although authorities have not confirmed any direct connection between the two events, they are investigating all possibilities thoroughly.
Recall Trump survived two assassination attempts during presidential campaign, as well as being thoroughly disgraced as a felon by what observers suspect are a politically motivated prosecution of the former president.
On January 5th, US citizens and Trump supporters took the US Capitol in a fruitless effort to overturn the electoral results after Trump was defeated by Biden by both Electoral college and popular votes.
How then can the US continue to claim to be the world’s model democracy, when recent elections have left death, blood and suffering in its wake.
