Police treat vehicle explosion at Trump Las Vegas hotel as possible act of terrorism: Official

Authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion Wednesday outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada as a possible act of terrorism.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said it was investigating a fire at the entrance to the tower. The public was asked to avoid the area, although police noted the fire was out.

The driver pulled into the hotel’s valet area and the vehicle exploded, according to an official. The driver is apparently dead and so far the only casualty from the incident. Seven spectators had minor injuries, the authorities said.

Investigators do not know what caused the explosion, such as whether there was something wrong with the vehicle or if something external caused it. The main focus of the probe is to determine what was behind the explosion.

An official briefed on the probe told ABC News that the Tesla Cybertruck had a load of firework-like mortars on board. Investigators are working quickly to determine a motive and whether the driver intended to set off an explosion and why.

Until a motive is determined and other possibilities are ruled out, police are treating the explosion as a possible criminal act and a possible act of terrorism. Evidence collection and investigation are ongoing.

As police continue to investigate whether what took place was a malicious act, the sheriff said he does not believe there is any further threat to the community.

“We believe everything is safe now,” said Sheriff Kevin McMahill.

But he warned the public to stay away, saying: “We don’t know what we don’t know.”

The property is subject to frequent threats and heightened security due to its connection to President-elect Donald Trump.

Eric Trump, his son and the executive vice president of the Trump Organization, posted on social media about the incident.

“Earlier today, a reported electric car fire occurred in the porte cochère at Trump Las Vegas,” he wrote. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remains our top priority. We thank the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their quick response and professionalism.”

The hotel also issued a statement on X suggesting the car involved was electric.

“Earlier today, a reported electric car fire occurred in the porte cochère at the Trump Las Vegas,” the hotel wrote. “The security and the well-being of our guests and staff remains our highest priority. We thank the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their quick response.”