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The individual behind the Cybertruck detonation outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shared a military base with the New Orleans terrorist, as per a recently released intelligence report.
Law Enforcement Raids Property in Colorado Springs
On Wednesday evening, federal agents conducted a search at the residence of a 37-year-old Colorado Springs native. Law enforcement officials have revealed that the suspect has a military background and once served alongside Shamsud Din Jabbar, the individual responsible for the New Orleans mass casualty incident.
Potential Links Between Two Incidents Under Investigation
The disclosure surfaced mere hours after Las Vegas police confirmed they were probing any possible connections between the two individuals involved in separate vehicular incidents.
The suspect in the Cybertruck incident has several documented addresses in Colorado Springs. Late Wednesday night, the FBI descended upon a townhouse complex linked to his name.
Reports indicate neighbors were promptly evacuated from the complex. Authorities have reassured the public that there are no ongoing threats to the community.
Suspicious Activity and Vehicle Rental
The accused is suspected of renting an Elon Musk-owned Cybertruck in Colorado and subsequently crossing the state border on Wednesday morning.
During a press briefing, Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that the vehicle arrived in Las Vegas at 7:30 AM. The subsequent explosion occurred at 8:40 AM in the valet area adjacent to the hotel.
The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck was the sole fatality. Authorities have credited the vehicle’s robust build for containing the explosion, thus preventing additional harm.
Explosives and Suspicious Items Found
Authorities, equipped with tactical gear and operating from armored vehicles, assessed the suspect’s property. T he scene of the Cybertruck explosion yielded charred fireworks, gas cylinders, and camping fuel in the vehicle’s bed.
Parallels in New Orleans and Las Vegas Attacks
Earlier that day in New Orleans, Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old individual drove an electric vehicle into crowds, resulting in the deaths of 15 pedestrians and leaving dozens more injured.
Law enforcement sources disclosed that both vehicles used in the attacks were rented via Turo, and both were electric vehicles, thus raising the possibility of a connection.
Public and Officials Reactions
“I don’t know if it’s a coincidence,” said Sheriff Kevin McMahill. “We are absolutely investigating any connections to New Orleans.
Turo, in a statement, expressed their shock and condolences, noting that they are collaborating with law enforcement in the investigation and do not believe either renter had a criminal record that would have flagged them as security threats.
Explosives Controlled by Suspect
Investigators published photographs from the Cybertruck, revealing an arsenal of explosives in the vehicle’s bed. Officials are still determining the detonation method but believe it was likely controlled by the driver.
A rented Cybertruck, manufactured by Elon Musk’s Tesla, was observed engulfed in flames outside the Trump International Hotel’s revolving doors, claiming one life and injuring seven others at approximately 8:40 AM.
Elon Musk’s Response
By Wednesday afternoon, Elon Musk had stated that the explosion was caused by ‘a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck’ or ‘very substantial fireworks.’
Musk reinforced that the explosion was unrelated to the vehicle itself and that the unidentified driver had rented the Cybertruck through Turo.
‘Law enforcement currently thinks it was most likely intentional,’ Musk added.
Musk noted that Tesla vehicles continuously transmit their state of health, allowing his team to verify the vehicle’s mechanical integrity prior to the explosion.
Sheriff McMahill’s Commendation
Sheriff McMahill publicly thanked Musk for aiding the investigation, providing authorities with data and access to CCTV footage from Tesla charging stations nationwide.
Investigation into Airbnb Property
Authorities are exploring the theory that Jabbar rented an Airbnb property in St. Roch as a base before executing the attack. Investigators reportedly discovered bomb-making materials in the two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence.
Suspect’s Motivation and Background
Authorities suspect that Jabbar’s actions may have been driven by personal grievances, perhaps stemming from his recent divorce and expressed intent to reunite his family for what he intended to be a deadly gathering. Additionally, he reportedly discussed joining ISIS in his video recordings and had previously dreamt about affiliation with the terrorist group.
No Further Threats Anticipated
Sheriff McMahill confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, additional law enforcement personnel have been dispatched to remain vigilant against potential copycat incidents.
The Day’s Events
Surveillance footage depicts the truck stationary outside the hotel entrance. Within seconds, it was engulfed in flames, with its roof exploding initially before the entire vehicle was obliterated.
Debris scattered as the explosion lit up nearby skyscrapers, and flames poured from the Cybertruck’s windows before additional explosive noises were heard. Fire alarms sounded in the hotel, where luxurious penthouse suites rent for up to $2,600 per night.