2025 Begins with Domestic Terror Strikes

By Greg Collier

The dawn of 2025 has been overshadowed by two tragic and disturbing events that underscore the persistent threat of domestic terrorism in the United States. In separate incidents on New Year’s Day, acts of violence involving rental vehicles and apparent explosive devices have once again raised alarms about the evolving landscape of domestic extremism. These events serve as stark reminders of the potential for ideologically or personally driven violence to disrupt communities and end lives.

The first attack unfolded in New Orleans, where a pickup truck rammed into a crowd of revelers, leaving a devastating trail of death and injury. The vehicle was reportedly loaded with potential improvised explosive devices, adding a chilling layer of premeditation. Authorities are investigating the background of the individual responsible, whose actions are believed to have been motivated by extremist ideologies.

The second incident occurred outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, where a rented Tesla Cybertruck was detonated, resulting in injuries and property damage. Early investigations suggest that fireworks and fuel were rigged to a detonation system, pointing to a deliberate act of violence. Law enforcement agencies are exploring possible links between the two attacks, though no definitive connections have been established.

These incidents evoke memories of the 1990s, a decade marked by domestic terrorism that left an indelible impact on the nation. The 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, had chilling similarities to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Both involved vehicle-based explosive devices intended to cause mass casualties and structural devastation.

The Oklahoma City bombing, in particular, became a grim touchstone for subsequent acts of violence. Its infamy extended beyond its immediate consequences; it indirectly inspired the 1999 Columbine High School attack. The Columbine perpetrators reportedly sought to emulate the Oklahoma City bombing by using propane tanks in their planned assault, demonstrating how one act of terror can ripple through time, influencing others with destructive intent.

The question now looms: Are these New Year’s Day attacks a harbinger of a new wave of domestic terrorism that could echo the 1990s? The parallels are unsettling. Both recent incidents involved rented vehicles, an increasingly accessible and potentially unregulated tool for attackers. Both appeared meticulously planned, with an apparent focus on maximizing psychological impact as much as physical destruction.

As the nation grapples with these events, there is a pressing need to examine whether these attacks reflect a broader trend of radicalization and violence within the U.S. If history is a guide, the possibility of a resurgence in domestic terrorism cannot be ignored. The 1990s showed that societal divisions, coupled with advancements in technology and communication, can provide fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take root and manifest in violent acts.

The lessons of the past are clear: coordinated, proactive measures are essential to prevent similar tragedies. This includes addressing root causes such as ideological radicalization, social alienation, and systemic failures in identifying and intervening with individuals at risk of committing violence. Enhanced security protocols for vehicle rentals and public gatherings, as well as robust intelligence sharing among agencies, may also prove vital.

The events of January 1, 2025, are a sobering reminder of the fragility of public safety in the face of determined individuals intent on causing harm. As we move forward, the imperative to learn from both the past and the present has never been more urgent. Whether this will mark the beginning of a new chapter of domestic terrorism or serve as a call to action for preventative measures remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the stakes are as high as ever.