Turo Rentals in Spotlight After New Year’s Day Tragedies
New Year’s Day celebrations in 2025 were marred by two devastating incidents, raising concerns about car-sharing services. An attack in New Orleans and a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, while seemingly unrelated, share one common factor: the vehicles involved were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform.
The FBI has stated there’s no proven link between the two events. Regardless, the connection through Turo has drawn attention to the company.
The New Orleans incident, being investigated as a terrorist act, saw at least 15 fatalities. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, allegedly drove a rented Ford pickup into a crowd on Bourbon Street before being shot by police. Authorities recovered an Islamic State group flag from the vehicle.
In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of the Trump International Hotel after being packed with explosives. One person died and seven others sustained injuries. The potential suspect, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, was an active Army soldier.
Livelsberger reportedly loaded the Cybertruck with fireworks and then took his own life, according to Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. The Cybertruck was rented via Turo in Colorado, though authorities have not confirmed if it was rented under his name.
Turo, which operates across the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, offers an alternative to traditional rental agencies. The company allows users to bypass traditional rental counters, providing a range of vehicles, including luxury and exotic cars. Turo was founded in San Francisco in 2010 and is headquartered there.
Turo issued a statement expressing condolences and assuring cooperation with law enforcement. The company stated its belief that neither renter involved had a criminal background that would have flagged them as a security risk. Turo emphasized its commitment to high safety standards.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
