U.S. Authorities Investigate Links Between New Orleans Attack and Las Vegas Explosion
U.S. authorities are currently probing any possible connection between a deadly attack in New Orleans and an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and producer of the Cybertruck, has also speculated about a potential link between the two incidents, claiming that both vehicles involved were rented using the same app, Turo.
The Las Vegas Explosion

At least one person was killed, and seven others were wounded when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Video footage captured the Cybertruck parked near the hotel’s entrance before it burst into flames, followed by smaller explosions resembling fireworks.
Reacting to the incident, Elon Musk stated that the explosion was caused by either “very large fireworks and/or a bomb” carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck. Later, Musk added that the explosion appeared to be a possible act of terrorism.
Police investigations revealed that the Cybertruck contained mortars, gas canisters, and fireworks. Authorities emphasized that the Cybertruck’s robust stainless steel exterior limited the damage, directing most of the blast upwards and preventing severe destruction to the hotel.
The New Orleans Attack

In a related incident, a truck attack in New Orleans resulted in several casualties. The vehicle, identified as a Ford F-150, was also rented using the Turo app. U.S. media outlets reported that authorities are investigating the attack as a potential terrorist attack.
Police in Las Vegas stated that there is no current evidence linking the attacks to ISIS, although investigations are ongoing. While no ISIS flag was found in Las Vegas, as seen in New Orleans, authorities continue to explore all possible leads.
Suspect Identified

The FBI identified the New Orleans attacker as Shamsu Din Jabar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. Jabar, a former military specialist and real estate agent from Houston, was reportedly radicalized at some point after converting to Islam. Experts suggest that Jabar’s turn toward extremism could have occurred online or through associates.
Broader Context of Terrorism
Dr. Charles Kupchan, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, commented on the situation, stating that ISIS has managed to regroup and continues to carry out operations globally. Despite significant setbacks during the counter-ISIS campaign, the terrorist organization remains active in Syria, Africa, and Afghanistan.
The U.S. has recently conducted counter-terrorism operations targeting ISIS cells, but incidents like these highlight the group’s ongoing ability to inspire and execute attacks, even within the United States.