Vehicles rented through the car-renting app, Turo, were used by the two individuals behind the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks – but how does the ‘world’s largest car sharing platform’ work?
On New Year’s Day, an electric pickup truck barreled through crowds of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more.
Hours later, a Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, with the driver killing himself and injuring seven others in the blast.
It has since been revealed the cars, both EVs, used in both attacks were rented through Turo.
A spokesperson for Turo later issued a statement describing the company’s heartbreak ‘by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families.
‘We are 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.’
Turo offers a marketplace where individuals, called ‘hosts,’ can rent out their cars to others, and provides flexible options such as vehicle pickup, delivery, or remote access through apps or key lockboxes.
On New Year’s Day, an electric pickup truck (pictured) barreled through crowds of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more
Hours later, a Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas (pictured),with the driver killing himself and injuring seven others in the blast
Before collecting the keys to a vehicle hired through the platform, primary drivers must undergo a series of security checks, which include submitting ‘proper’ documentation and uploading compulsory check-in photos.
According to information on the car-sharing app, drivers can begin check-in up to 24 hours before their trip’s scheduled start time.
The first step of the check-in process is to submit photo documentation of a driver’s license, with hosts in the US and Canada further able to accept temporary licenses. All hosts can accept a valid international driver’s license.
However, Turo does not allow, and hosts cannot accept ‘an expired license, an altered license, is conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Hosts also can’t accept learner’s permits.’
The second stage of the check-in process for those hiring a vehicle is to upload photos to confirm their identity.
Primary drivers are prompted to first submit a clear close-up of their driver’s license, before uploading a selfie holding their license next to their face, making sure their ‘head and shoulders are visible.’
Turo offers a marketplace where individuals, called ‘hosts,’ can rent out their cars to others, and provides flexible options such as vehicle pickup, delivery, or remote access to keys
A Tesla Cybertruck AWD 2023 – the same model used by the Last Vegas killer – ranges from $900 to over $1000 per day for rental through Turo
A model similar to the white Ford pick up truck used by the New Orleans killer costs approximately $200 per day to hire through Turo
Drivers are then required to either meet with the host in person to collect the keys to the vehicle, or alternatively granted access to the keys left in a keybox in a remote location.
Additionally, users be at least 18 years old to be approved for a reservation.
A model similar to the white Ford pick up truck used by the New Orleans killer costs approximately $200 per day to hire through Turo, while the Tesla Cybertruck AWD 2023 used in the Las Vegas attack ranges from $900 to over $1000 per day.
Turo has positioned itself as a global leader in the car-sharing market, describing itself as the ‘world’s largest car sharing marketplace,’ where ‘entrepreneurs can take the wheel of their futures’ by renting out their cars.
Despite the app’s seemingly stringent requirements, the company has faced questions in the past regarding safety and oversight, according to The Hill.
Law enforcement have now discovered that the men – who are now both deceased – behind the attacks are connected through their former roles in the military.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas identified by police as the suspect in a truck attack that killed several people during New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana
Though authorities have since uncovered a military link between the men responsible for the attacks, it is suggested that the use of Turo may be coincidental (pictured: the site where people were killed in New Orleans on New Year’s Day)
Pictured: Cybertruck aftermath image
The individual responsible for the Cybertruck explosion, a 37-year-old man from Colorado Springs, served at the same military base as the New Orleans terrorist, Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42.
Though authorities have since uncovered a military link between the men responsible for the attacks, it is suggested that the use of Turo may be coincidental.
On Wednesday afternoon, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill called the two attacks ‘isolated incidents’ and asserting that investigations are ongoing.
Police revealed on Wednesday afternoon that they are currently investigating potential links and have not ruled anything out yet.
‘Do I think it’s a coincidence? I don’t know,’ Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. ‘We’re absolutely looking into any connections to New Orleans.’
It comes as investigators revealed they believe multiple people were involved in the New Orleans terror attack after US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar was identified as the driver who killed 15 people on New Year’s Day.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said she is certain ‘multiple people’ were involved in the attack.
