US attacks on New Year: New Orleans Tesla Cybertruck New York shooting rock America

“Damn people! 27 hours into 2025 and there’s been 3 terrorist attacks on American soil,” posted X user AmericanGrl on Thursday.

Come 2025, and the United States has woken up to at least three attacks on American soil in the first couple of days, which have collectively killed 16 people and injured dozens. The first attack on Wednesday, carried out by an ISIS-inspired assailant and resulting in 15 deaths, is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded near Trump Tower in Las Vegas, with authorities examining whether both the incidents are connected.

The third attack, a shooting at a New York nightclub on Wednesday night, fortunately resulted in no casualties, though details about the incident remain scarce.

However, multiple details, such as the location of the Cybertruck blast, a common vehicle renting agency, the ISIS flag in the New Orleans incident, and statements by Elon Musk, the White House, and other law enforcement agencies, have added to the growing unease and speculation about whether these events are mere coincidences or part of a larger, coordinated effort.

SPECULATIONS GROW IF THE THREE ATTACKS WERE COORDINATED

Just 24 hours into the new year 2025, news of the attacks prompted many on X to voice concerns about the possibility of a larger plan.

“The terrorist attack in New Orleans and the Cybertruck bombing in Las Vegas are an incredible coincidence… Or we’re watching a coordinated wave of terrorist attacks happening across the United States,” wrote Atlanta-based Sean Hastings.

“If the Las Vegas bombing was ISIS-related, we’re in big trouble,” added Sean, a writer.

“The third consecutive terror attack has occurred in the US. Do you think this is a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a larger plan?,” asked SME Portfolio Manager Aysegul Saban on X.

In this light, let’s have a look at what we know so far about the attacks and the alleged connections that might link the three incidents, two of which are being investigated as acts of terrorism.

NEW ORLEANS ATTACKER DID NOT ACT ALONE, BELIEVES FBI

The most egregious of these incidents was the first one in New Orleans. Hours after New Year’s toasts, the horrific attack took place in New Orleans’ Bourbon Street during celebrations. A suspect, now identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning truck into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuries to 35 others.

Jabbar and the person who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas once served at the same military base, ABCnews’ Denver7 reported, citing sources.

The attack in New Orleans is being investigated as a “terrorist attack”, with the suspect exhibiting “very intentional behaviour” aimed at maximising casualties, according to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the FBI. The FBI also said that a flag of the terror group Islamic State (IS) was found inside the attacker’s vehicle.

Jabbar, who was killed by police after exchanging gunfire, had also fired at the crowd using an assault rifle. Authorities also found homemade pipe bombs and a grenade at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI exploring possible connections to ISIS, as suggested by US President Joe Biden.

Biden has said that investigators were examining whether the attack is possibly linked to the explosion of the Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, which occurred hours later.

TESLA CYBERTRUCK AND NEW ORLEANS’ FORD RENTED FROM SAME AGENCY

Both the Tesla Cybertruck and the Ford truck used in the New Orleans attack were rented through the Turo app. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the explosion was not related to the vehicle’s battery but was caused by the explosive materials carried in the truck.

Law enforcement agencies are also investigating this incident as an act of terrorism, with the FBI conducting operations and searches in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the Cybertruck was rented.

Although the name of the attacker has not been officially announced, ABCnews’ Denver7 reported the attacker was Matthew Livelsberger, who rented the Cybertruck in Colorado Springs, drove it to Nevada, and loaded it with fireworks, mortars and gas cans before detonating it outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

The explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck, manufactured by Elon Musk’s company, near Trump’s premium property in Las Vegas just weeks before his inauguration, certainly raises questions if the attacks were a mere coincidence.

MASS SHOOTING IN NEW YORK ON JANUARY 2 INJURES 12

In a third incident, a mass shooting occurred at a nightclub in Queens, New York, leaving at least 12 people injured.

Three to four men fired at a group of people waiting outside the club in New York, the Police Department said, according to the ABC. Police stated that they believe at least 30 shots were fired at the group.

After firing, the suspects fled on foot before escaping in a sedan with out-of-state plates, police said.

Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera said the incident was being investigated as a gang-related event and might not be a terror attack.

The severity of the back-to-back incidents at the start of the year has naturally sparked speculation. “What the hell? 2025 coming in like a freight train,” wrote California-based Brian on X.

While the New Orleans incident has been explicitly linked to terrorism, with a possible ISIS connection, its possible connection to the Tesla blast has raised the gravity of the attacks. The New York shooting has only added to the concerns. However, the picture may become clearer after further investigation.