The trucks used in the deadly New Orleans attack and the explosion at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas were rented through the same app, it has been revealed.
Both had been rented on the the same peer-to-peer rental app, Turo, according to the company. At least 15 people have been confirmed killed in the New Orleans attack.
The owner of the Ford truck used in New Orleans recognized the vehicle when he saw footage of the incident on the news. He confirmed he rented the truck to the 42-year-old Army veteran.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar had posted videos to social media hours before the carnage saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill.
The truck's owner, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he rents five cars on the app as a second income stream.
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The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas was also rented on Turo. So far the connection has been described by officials as a "coincidence," but investigations continue.
Turo said in a statement that it was “actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents.”
“We do not believe that either renter involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat,” the statement said. “We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management.”
“We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible,” FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan said at a news conference.
Investigators found multiple improvised explosives, including two pipe bombs that were concealed within coolers and wired for remote detonation, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by The Associated Press.
The bulletin, relying on preliminary information gathered soon after the attack, also cited surveillance footage that it said showed three men and a woman placing one of the devices, but federal officials did not immediately confirm that detail and it wasn’t clear who they were or what connection they had to the attack, if any.
Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck onto a sidewalk, going around a police car that was positioned to block vehicular traffic, authorities said. A barrier system meant to prevent vehicle attacks was being repaired in preparation for the Super Bowl in February.
Jabbar was killed by police after he exited the truck and opened fire on responding officers, Kirkpatrick said. Three officers returned fire. Two were shot and are in stable condition.
Investigators recovered a handgun and AR-style rifle, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
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