The Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion involving Army veteran Matthew Livelsberger may have connections to a concurrent attack in New Orleans.
At a Glance
- Investigations explore potential links between Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks.
- Army veteran Matthew Livelsberger identified in the Las Vegas incident.
- Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar responsible for New Orleans attack.
- No concrete connection verified yet but investigations are ongoing.
Las Vegas Incident Details
Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active duty US Army service member, rented a Tesla Cybertruck from Turo in Colorado. The vehicle exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in his death and injuries to seven others.
The explosion is under investigation as authorities explore potential connections to similar incidents. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are involved in the inquiry. Authorities are cautious, as the incident involves high-profile names like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
The Cybertruck, reportedly filled with fuel canisters and firework mortars, exploded shortly after arriving in Las Vegas, prompting a thorough examination of Livelsberger’s background and affiliations. Turo, the car-sharing app used to rent the vehicle, has expressed their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement during this investigation.
BREAKING: Cybertruck which exploded at Trump Hotel in Las Vegas and truck used in New Orleans attack were both rented through carsharing app Turo – AP
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 1, 2025
New Orleans Tragedy
In New Orleans, a US army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a truck into a crowd, causing the deaths of 15 people and injuring 35 more. Reports indicate that Jabbar, who had served in Afghanistan, flew an ISIS flag, suggesting his alleged motivations. Investigations are focusing on whether Jabbar had accomplices and if there are any ties to the Las Vegas event.
Surveillance around the New Orleans site showed multiple individuals possibly involved in orchestrating the attack. The FBI is attempting to identify any connections Jabbar might have had, further fueling suspicions of coordinated efforts behind both incidents.
NEW: Turo confirms that both the truck used in the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas were rented through its service.
via @NickAtNews
— Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) January 2, 2025
Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns
President Joe Biden acknowledged the gravity of the situation and briefed on the developments in both Las Vegas and New Orleans. Despite intense investigations, no concrete evidence has established a definitive link between the two incidents, yet the inquiry remains active. FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz emphasized the difficulty in clearly defining the nature of the Las Vegas explosion as a terrorist attack but affirmed the ongoing efforts to examine all potential avenues.
“I know everybody’s interested in that word, and trying to see if we can say, ‘Hey, this is a terrorist attack.‘ That is our goal, and that’s what we’re trying to do” – FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz
As investigators tread carefully through these complexities, the primary concern remains the safety and security of American cities. Community sentiments in both Las Vegas and New Orleans reflect a call for justice and a thorough unraveling of the facts behind these harrowing events.
Sources:
- Police probe if blast at Trump hotel is linked to New Orleans attack
- Everything we know about the potential links between New Orleans attack and Tesla Cybertruck explosion | The Independent
