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Explosion of Cybertruck outside Trump Hotel is reportedly being investigated as a possible terror attack.
By JNS
The FBI and Las Vegas police are investigating whether a deadly explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is tied to the car ramming in New Orleans, in which a man drove a pickup truck through a crowd, killing 15 and injuring 35 early in the morning on New Year’s Day.
“We’re tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether there is any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in remarks that ran just over four minutes, which the White House broadcast live from Camp David, Md.
“Thus far, there is nothing to report on that score at this time,” Biden said.
“At approximately 8:40 a.m., reports were received of a vehicle explosion. One person inside the Cyber Truck was killed and seven others were injured,” the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated. “Authorities have confirmed there is no further threat to the community.”
“Obviously a Cybertruck … the Trump hotel—there’s lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward with that,” said Sheriff Kevin McMahill, of the Vegas police department.
“Cybertrucks are made by Elon Musk’s company, Tesla. Musk is part of President-elect Donald Trump’s inner circle,” the Los Angeles Times reported. “That has prompted concerns on social media that it was a politically motivated attack.”
Multiple new outlets reported that the explosion in Las Vegas is being investigated as a possible terror attack.
“The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards,” Musk wrote. “Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken.”
In another post, Musk wrote that the Vegas explosion “appears likely to be an act of terrorism” and that “both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way.”
Eric Trump, the president-elect’s son, wrote that “earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas.”
“The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority,” he stated. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism.”
On Wednesday evening, Biden addressed the nation on both the Las Vegas incident and the prior attack in New Orleans.
“I know I can speak for all Americans when I say, ‘Our hearts are with the people of New Orleans after the despicable attack that occurred in the early morning hours,” Biden said.
He addressed the families of victims, those injured and the people of New Orleans. “I grieve with you,” Biden said. “Our nation grieves with you.”
The president thanked officers for stopping the attacker “in his tracks,” which he said prevented more people from being killed or injured.
“The FBI has reported to me the killer was an American citizen. Born in Texas. He served in the United States Army on active duty for many years. He also served in the Army Reserve until a few years ago,” Biden said. (Some had suggested on social media that the attacker was in the country illegally.)
“The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill,” Biden said. “The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, which he rented to conduct this attack. Possible explosives were found in the vehicle as well, and more explosives were found nearby.”
“The situation is very fluid,” the president said. “No one should jump to conclusions.”
He noted that the Louisiana city is special.
“New Orleans is a place unlike any other place in the world, a city full of charm and joy. So many people around the world love the New Orleans because of its history, its culture and above all its people,” he said.
“The spirit of New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated,” he added. We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to defend the citizens of Israel. Join us in sending winter care packages and personal notes of support to Israeli soldiers who are out in the cold all day. Warm up a soldier's heart with essential winter wear including fleece jackets, hats, gloves and more. Keep an entire unit warm! THE SOLDIERS REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR LOVE AND CONCERN!
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