FBI investigating 'possible link' between New Orleans attack and Cybertruck explosion
US federal officials have yet to confirm any connection between a terrorist attack in New Orleans and the Cybertruck explosion outside a Las Vegas hotel.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation on the evening of January 1, outlining federal agencies' efforts to investigate the terrorist attack in New Orleans that killed at least 15 people, and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas.
Mr. Biden stressed the importance of determining whether the two incidents are related, but cautioned the public against jumping to conclusions, noting that the investigations are ongoing and subject to change.
"We are investigating the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are also investigating this incident, including looking into whether there is any connection to the attack in New Orleans," the outgoing president said.
“At this point, there is nothing to report on that connection,” he added.
The New Orleans attack, which occurred early on New Year’s Day, was driven by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old veteran of the U.S. Army, who drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. An Islamic State (IS) flag, weapons, and a suspected homemade explosive device were found in the vehicle, leading authorities to classify the incident as an act of terrorism.
Jabbar was shot dead in a shootout with police at the scene. Investigators are now looking into whether Jabbar acted alone or had accomplices.
Just hours later, in Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump hotel, killing the driver and injuring seven people standing nearby. Initial investigations suggest the vehicle may have contained fireworks or an explosive device.
Both the Cybertruck in Las Vegas and the pickup in New Orleans were reportedly rented through the same app, a detail that has federal authorities increasingly focused on a possible connection between the two incidents.
Elon Musk has previously strongly denied claims that a Tesla was responsible for the Las Vegas explosion, insisting that “all vehicle data was normal at the time of the explosion.” He said the explosion was “most likely an act of terrorism” and claimed that it was “possible” that the two incidents were “somehow related.”
President Biden has directed senior officials, including the Attorney General, FBI Director, and Secretary of Homeland Security, to devote all available resources to the investigation.
“I have directed my team to ensure that every resource is provided to law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels to complete the investigation quickly and ensure there is no further threat to the American people,” Biden said.
The US president also sent condolences to the victims and their families, saying, “The nation shares your pain.” He stressed the administration’s commitment to clarifying every detail of these tragedies and ensuring justice is served.
