FBI probes link between New Orleans attack and Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas

The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Thursday began investigating whether there was a link between the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and a New Orleans truck attack which has sent shockwaves across the world.

An army veteran mowed down pedestrians after he drove a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans, killing as many as 15 people.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Las Vegas, gasoline canisters and large firework mortars were packed into the Cybertruck that burst into flames, leaving a person dead outside the Trump International Hotel.

Is there a link?

According to a report by NBC, authorities have pulled a common thread between the two incidents which were previously described as isolated cases. US President Joe Biden has confirmed that “law enforcement and the intelligence community” were investigating “whether there’s any possible connection” between the incidents.

The suspect in the Las Vegas Trump Tower explosion, whose identity has not been disclosed by law enforcement, reportedly has a military background, according to two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation. They emphasized that the investigation was ongoing and did not provide additional details.

Both the vehicles that caused the mishap were reportedly rented from the same company, Turo. The company has said it was “actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents.”

Biden to convene meeting

Biden has convened a meeting of Homeland Security to discuss the updates on the New Orleans attack.

“At 12:15 pm ET, @POTUS will convene members of his homeland security team in the Situation Room to receive an update on the investigation into the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” White House spokesperson Emilie Simons said.

Earlier today, POTUS revealed that the driver had posted videos on social media hours before the carnage saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill.

With inputs from agencies