The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) recently unveiled 10 brand-new Tesla Cybertrucks added to its fleet—thanks to a generous mystery donor. With their unique stainless steel design, these sleek, bullet-resistant electric trucks have already turned heads on the Strip, sparking curiosity and speculation about who was behind this significant gift.
After weeks of secrecy, the truth is out: tech investor Ben Horowitz and his wife Felicia were the ones who made it happen. But why did they do it? And how will these high-tech trucks change law enforcement in Las Vegas?
In February 2025, the LVMPD announced the jaw-dropping donation, initially keeping the donor’s identity a secret. Sheriff Kevin McMahill took to social media, posting images of the Cybertrucks with the caption: “Badass.” The post quickly gained traction, many wondering who could be behind such an extravagant gift.
Speculation ran wild, but the mystery was eventually solved. The donors were tech investor Ben Horowitz and his wife, Felicia. Horowitz, a well-known venture capitalist, has a history of supporting law enforcement. He previously funded advanced drone technology and a police gym renovation.
“We want our officers to be safe,”
Said Sheriff McMahill.
“These vehicles provide protection, innovation, and, frankly, a cool factor that boosts morale.”
Cyber trucks, which generally retail at around $150,000 when outfitted for police duty, are customized to suit different law enforcement needs. Some will serve as standard patrol vehicles, while others will be designated for SWAT operations. One Cybertruck is even being fully armored for high-risk situations.
Leaked renderings show the LVMPD’s plans for the trucks: the SWAT version sports a rugged desert-style paint job, reinforced doors and windows, and heavy-duty tires. The patrol models feature LED spotlights, high-tech police light bars, and upgraded wheels.
Beyond aesthetics, these vehicles will integrate with the LVMPD’s expanding drone program. Equipped with semi-autonomous drones and shot-spotting technology, the Cybertrucks are expected to boost police efficiency and response times.
While some have praised the Cybertrucks as a step toward the future, others have raised concerns. Critics argue that Tesla vehicles are not always ideal for police work, citing previous issues with limited charging infrastructure and space constraints in other jurisdictions. Some departments in California have even labeled Teslas as “unusable” for routine patrols.
However, the LVMPD is confident in their decision, emphasizing that these vehicles came at no cost to taxpayers. The department also believes the trucks will foster stronger community engagement.
“Imagine officers parked and charging these trucks, and people coming up to ask about them,”
McMahill said.
“It’s an opportunity to connect, start conversations, and build trust.”
Interestingly, the donation comes just months after a high-profile incident involving a Cybertruck in Las Vegas. On New Year’s Day 2025, a soldier detonated a Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel. Despite the explosion, the truck contained most of the blast, minimizing damage to surrounding areas.
While some speculated a connection between the event and the donation, police officials clarified that the gift had been arranged long before the incident. Sheriff McMahill noted that the truck’s durability during the explosion demonstrated its safety potential.
Las Vegas is not the first city to experiment with Cybertrucks in law enforcement, but it is one of the first to receive a fleet of them. The Irvine Police Department in California previously acquired a Cybertruck for community outreach. However, it was met with mixed reactions—notably after officers installed a loudspeaker that played The Terminator theme.
