Peer-to-peer car rental company Turo is in the limelight after two vehicles rented through its platform were used in separate deadly attacks on New Year’s Day.
The first incident occurred in New Orleans, where a man identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar allegedly drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring 35.
Later that day, in Las Vegas, an unidentified individual reportedly detonated explosives inside a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside Trump International Hotel, resulting in one death and seven injuries.
READ: UPDATE: At Least 15 Dead, 35 Injured In New Orleans Terror Attack On New Year’s Day
Turo, which allows private car owners to rent their vehicles to users through its app, has stated that neither renter involved in the attacks had a criminal background that would have raised security concerns.
“We are heartbroken to learn that one of our host’s vehicles was involved in this awful incident,” said Steve Webb, Turo’s vice president of communications, referring to the New Orleans attack. “We are not currently aware of anything in this guest’s background that would have identified him as a trust and safety threat.”
The company is cooperating with FBI investigations into both incidents. Law enforcement officials in Las Vegas reported that the Cybertruck contained fireworks and gasoline cans.
President Joe Biden has stated that federal agents are investigating a possible link between the two attacks.
Turo, which operates in several countries, promotes itself as a convenient alternative to traditional car rental services. This incident raises questions about the platform’s security measures and vetting processes for renters.
The company maintains its commitment to “maintaining the highest standards in risk management” and utilizing “world-class trust and safety technologies.”
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