In a disturbing development, investigators have confirmed that both vehicles involved in Wednesday's violent incidents in Las Vegas and New Orleans were rented through the peer-to-peer car sharing platform Turo.
The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing its driver and injuring seven others, was rented in Colorado before making its way to Nevada. Earlier that same day in New Orleans, a Ford pickup truck that was also rented via Turo was used in an attack that left 15 people dead and dozens injured on Bourbon Street.
According to law enforcement officials, the Cybertruck arrived in Las Vegas Wednesday morning and exploded in front of the hotel's entrance after being parked for approximately 15-20 seconds. Surveillance footage revealed the vehicle was loaded with fireworks mortars, gasoline cans, and camping fuel canisters.
The owner of the Ford pickup used in New Orleans recognized his vehicle on news footage showing the truck and license plate. He had been renting out five vehicles on Turo as supplemental income but indicated he would cease using the platform following the attack.
In response to these incidents, Turo released a statement expressing that they are "heartbroken by the violence" and are actively cooperating with law enforcement investigations. The company noted that neither renter had criminal backgrounds that would have flagged them as security risks.
While authorities are investigating possible connections between the two attacks, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated the Cybertruck explosion appears to be an "isolated incident" with no ongoing threat to the community. The FBI is conducting related operations in Colorado Springs with assistance from the ATF.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the explosion was caused by explosive materials in the truck's bed rather than the vehicle itself. The incident prompted an evacuation of the Trump Hotel, and both local and federal authorities continue their investigations into these tragic events.