New Orleans ‘terrorist attack’ and Tesla Cybertruck explosion have potential links? Here's what we know

Investigations are probing possible links between a New Orleans terrorist attack and a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. Both suspects had military backgrounds and reportedly served at Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg.

Written By Pratik Prashant Mukane
Updated3 Jan 2025, 06:28 PM IST
Flames rise from a Tesla Cybertruck after it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., January 1, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a social media video.
Flames rise from a Tesla Cybertruck after it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., January 1, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a social media video.(Alcides Antunes via REUTERS)

Is there a connection between the New Orleans ‘terrorist attack’ and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Las Vegas’ Trump International Hotel? Well, the one common ground that is leading to suspicion is that both the suspects involved in the crime have military experience and reportedly served at Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg.

With three incidents rocking the United States in a span of 24 hours on New Year's Day, the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents are being probed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Authorities are investigating the Tesla Cybertruck explosion, even though it appears to them an isolated incident. The FBI is also investigating if there were more people involved in the terrorist act in New Orleans in which at least 15 people lost their lives after a truck with an Islamic State flag rammed into crowd.

Also Read | Cybertruck explosion a terrorist act? Elon Musk blames ‘very large fireworks’

The suspects in both the incidents have been killed. The suspect in cybertruck driver has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger. The New Orleans attacker, Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, too was killed by police.

According to local news KTNV, 37-year-old Livelsberger had multiple addresses associated with him in Colorado Springs.

Denver7 News reported that it has learned that Livelsberger served at the same Army base as Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

According to Fox News, both men served at Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg. However, they were there at different times.

Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas, once served in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He reportedly served for more than 10 years in the military as a human resource specialist and an IT specialist.

Another issue that raises concern over the potential link is both the Cybertruck and the pickup truck were rented from Turo, a car-sharing marketplace.

Also Read | New Orleans ‘terrorist attack’: Who is attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar?

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters that the back of the truck contained gasoline and camping fuel canisters, as well as "large firework mortars".

FBI agent Jeremy Schwartz described the Las Vegas blast as "an isolated incident", reported AFP.

Also Read | WATCH: New picture reveals Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks, camping fuel

Meanwhile, Las Vegas police said that they’ve found no overt signs of a connection to international terrorism, but they’re still exploring all possibilities. 

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