Turo rentals emerge as common thread in Las Vegas Cybertruck and New Orleans deadly incidents
In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025, the nation was rocked by two horrific attacks that raised serious questions about car-sharing platform security and potential terrorism links. The first incident occurred in Las Vegas, where a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to seven others. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, a Ford F-150 pickup truck plowed into crowds on Bourbon Street, causing at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. Both vehicles were rented through Turo, a popular peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, leading to intense scrutiny of the company’s operations and security measures.
The Las Vegas incident unfolded at 8:40 a.m. PT, when the Tesla Cybertruck arrived at the valet area of the Trump International Hotel and exploded within seconds. The vehicle was found to be packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, prompting the FBI to investigate the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Tesla CEO Elon Musk denied any connection to the vehicle itself and suggested that the explosion was caused by large fireworks or a bomb in the truck bed.
In New Orleans, the Ford F-150 driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran from Texas, rammed through police barricades on Bourbon Street, mowing down pedestrians while firing into the crowd. The attack resulted in significant loss of life and injuries, with Jabbar being killed in a subsequent shootout with law enforcement. The FBI discovered an Islamic State flag on the vehicle and improvised explosive devices inside, leading them to treat the incident as an act of terrorism.
Both vehicles in these tragic events were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform that connects vehicle owners with renters. Turo, often referred to as the “Airbnb for cars,” has faced scrutiny over its security measures and screening processes in the wake of these attacks.
Founded in 2010 as RelayRides and rebranded as Turo in 2015, the platform boasts over 14 million users worldwide and operates in more than 16,000 cities across several countries. Turo users can list their vehicles for rent, allowing renters to book directly through the platform, undergo identity verification, and arrange for pick-up and return with the vehicle owner.
Turo’s security measures include identity verification and background checks, though the extent of these checks is not entirely clear. The company has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement in the investigations and do not believe that either renter had a criminal background that would have identified them as security threats.
In response to these incidents, Turo may face calls for stricter regulations and enhanced security protocols to prevent potential misuse or criminal activities on its platform. As investigations continue and the industry faces increased scrutiny, peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo may need to reevaluate their security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The regulatory landscape for peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms is evolving, with some states enacting laws specifically governing this industry. Turo has advocated for additional regulations to establish clearer operational guidelines, and recent legislation in New York aims to address safety and insurance concerns while expanding transportation options for residents.
As the aftermath of these attacks unfolds, it is essential for platforms like Turo to prioritize safety and security measures to protect users and prevent potential acts of terrorism or criminal activities. Strengthening screening processes for renters and vehicles may be necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the car-sharing industry moving forward.
