New Orleans attack, Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion raise US security fears

A gruesome attack on revellers celebrating New Year’s in New Orleans thrust US domestic security back into the spotlight less than a month before Donald Trump is sworn in as president.

The tragedy, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more, set off panic in the historic French Quarter and postponed events, including a major football game. Hours later, a deadly explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside of President-elect Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas further rattled Americans ringing in 2025.

The incidents, which are both being probed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, prompted statements from Trump, US President Joe Biden and other senior US officials. Elon Musk also weighed in, saying that the Cybertruck explosion appeared likely to be terrorism and that it could be linked to the New Orleans attack.

Trump said his incoming administration would help New Orleans as it investigates and recovers from what he called an act of “pure evil”.

Trump, who is set to be sworn in on January 20, has often blamed undocumented immigrants for crime in the US. The suspect in Wednesday’s attack in New Orleans was an American and served in the US Army.