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Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing app based in San Francisco, has become a focal point in the aftermath of two deadly incidents that involved vehicles rented through its platform. Officials confirmed that the suspect driver in the deadly New Orleans attack, which killed at least 15 people, and the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck involved in a deadly explosion in Las Vegas both used the Turo app to rent their vehicles.
What is Turo?
Turo is a car-sharing platform that allows private car owners to rent out their vehicles to others through its app. Launched in 2010 as “RelayRides” and rebranded as Turo in 2015, the platform connects individuals with “trusted hosts” in their local areas. Unlike traditional rental car companies, Turo does not own the cars listed; it operates purely as a marketplace where users can rent vehicles from private owners.
To rent a car on Turo, users must be over 18, provide a valid driver’s license, and submit personal information for approval. The app allows renters to pick up cars in various ways—either in person, via delivery, or through keyless access facilitated by a lockbox or app.
Turo’s connection to the attacks
In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the driver responsible for the deadly attack on Bourbon Street, rented a Ford F-150 Lightning truck via Turo. The truck was driven into a crowd early Wednesday morning, leaving 15 dead and 30 others injured. Turo has confirmed it is cooperating with the FBI in the investigation. A spokesperson for the company expressed their sadness in a statement, saying, “We are heartbroken to learn that one of our host’s vehicles was involved in this awful incident. We are actively partnering with the FBI. We are not currently aware of anything in this guest’s background that would have identified him as a trust and safety threat to us at the time of the reservation.”
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, a separate incident unfolded when a Tesla Cybertruck, also rented through Turo, exploded outside the Trump Hotel. The truck, which contained fireworks and gasoline, detonated after entering the valet area on Wednesday. The driver died, and seven others were injured. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that the vehicle used in the explosion was rented via Turo. Although authorities have called the incidents unrelated, investigations are still ongoing.
Turo responds to the tragedy
Turo, in its statement to NewsNation, emphasized that a host’s vehicle was involved in the New Orleans incident, expressing its condolences. The company clarified that, at the time of the reservation, there was nothing in Jabbar’s background that would have flagged him as a threat to the platform’s safety standards.
Despite the two attacks being unrelated, the use of Turo’s vehicles in both incidents has led to increased scrutiny of the platform’s security measures and the potential risks posed by peer-to-peer car-sharing services.
As investigations into both attacks continue, Turo has assured the public that it is working closely with law enforcement to address concerns surrounding the app’s involvement in these tragic events.
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