Crime
Cybertruck Explosion at Trump International Hotel and New Orleans Terror Attack Vehicle Linked to Carsharing App Turo
Authorities have uncovered a significant connection between two recent high-profile incidents—the Cybertruck explosion at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and the electric SUV used in the New Orleans terror attack.
Investigators revealed that both vehicles were rented through the carsharing platform Turo, raising concerns about potential security vulnerabilities within such peer-to-peer rental services.
- Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion
- A Cybertruck rented through Turo exploded in the parking area of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
- The explosion, which occurred earlier this week, caused significant damage but resulted in no reported injuries. Investigators are still determining whether the blast was accidental or intentional.
- New Orleans Terror Attack
- The white electric Ford SUV used in the tragic New Orleans attack, which claimed 10 lives and injured 30 others, was also rented via Turo.
- After driving into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, the suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire, later engaging in a shootout with law enforcement before being fatally shot.
Authorities confirmed that both vehicles were secured through Turo, a popular app allowing private owners to rent their cars to others. Law enforcement is now collaborating with Turo to trace the rental histories and identify any connections between the two incidents.
The revelations have sparked concerns about the oversight and screening processes within carsharing platforms. Critics argue that such services may unintentionally facilitate access to vehicles for individuals with malicious intentions, as background checks and renter verification processes might not be stringent enough.
- FBI Statement: “The fact that both vehicles were rented through the same platform is a significant lead in our investigation. We are working closely with Turo to understand how these rentals were processed and to identify any red flags.”
- Turo’s Response: In a public statement, Turo expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement and emphasized its commitment to safety:“We are deeply saddened by these incidents and are committed to assisting authorities in every possible way. We are reviewing our policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of our platform and its users.”
While no direct link between the two incidents has been established beyond the use of Turo, investigators are exploring the possibility of a coordinated effort or a shared network behind the attacks.
The incidents have reignited debates about the regulation of peer-to-peer carsharing services, with lawmakers calling for increased oversight to prevent misuse.
As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information that might assist in these cases. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Crime
Indiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate President Trump in TikTok Videos
A 23-year-old Indiana man has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump after allegedly posting multiple threatening videos on TikTok, federal authorities announced Thursday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Douglas Thrams posted a series of videos between Monday—when Trump was inaugurated—and Wednesday, in which he allegedly threatened anti-government violence and called for the assassination of the former president.
In one of the videos cited in the complaint, Thrams reportedly stated, “Every U.S. government building needs to be bombed immediately.” He further escalated his rhetoric by saying, “He [Trump] needs to be assassinated, and this time, don’t… miss,” using explicit language.
Authorities noted that Thrams’ statements were particularly concerning in light of previous assassination attempts targeting Trump, including an incident last year at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury to his ear.
Additionally, an FBI affidavit revealed that in another video, Thrams was seen holding a rifle and tapping it, an action investigators interpreted as an implied threat.
Thrams was taken into custody on Thursday and has been charged with “interstate communications with a threat to injure,” a federal offense.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed any further potential threats. Thrams is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days.