Tesla Showrooms Targeted by Arson and Vandalism in Growing Anti Musk Protests

Police and federal authorities are investigating a series of targeted arson attacks and vandalism incidents at Tesla showrooms across the United States, with the latest occurring in Las Vegas, Nevada. The attacks are being considered as potential acts of domestic terrorism. The FBI has confirmed that at least three other incidents involving Molotov cocktails have taken place at Tesla facilities in states such as Missouri, Oregon, and Colorado since January. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also probing a related incident in South Carolina.

In Las Vegas, security footage captured a suspect dressed in black throwing suspected Molotov cocktails into a Tesla collision centre at approximately 2:45 am. The attack resulted in damage to at least five Tesla vehicles, with two reported as completely engulfed in flames. The perpetrator spray-painted the word “RESIST” on the facility’s front doors and fired three rounds of ammunition into the parked vehicles, according to local police reports. Authorities have classified the act as a targeted attack on the facility, explicitly noting that there is no immediate risk to the general public.

The incident reflects increasing unrest and opposition towards Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, who has assumed a prominent political role as an adviser to Donald Trump. Musk’s involvement in policy reforms, such as reducing federal government spending and widespread layoffs, has drawn substantial criticism. He described the Las Vegas firebombing as an act of “terrorism” in a post on his social media platform X, linking the violence to what he termed criticism from the “woke left.”

National sentiment against Musk extends beyond arson attacks, as vandalism at Tesla facilities has spiked this year. Reports of swastikas, anti-Musk graffiti, and cut charging station cables have emerged at various locations. The backlash coincides with a decline in Tesla sales alongside a 40% collapse in the company’s share price since January, exacerbating tensions even further.

FBI officials are weighing the political motivations behind the attacks, observing the presence of potential agenda-based violence. Speaking on the matter, special agent Spencer Evans emphasised the seriousness of these actions, calling it “unacceptable.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump vowed to categorise such incidents as domestic terrorism during a recent press conference, where he showcased Tesla vehicles while standing alongside Musk. Trump remarked that these acts “harm a great American company” and pledged to halt such violence decisively.

With tensions escalating, Tesla showrooms and charging facilities appear to remain focal points of public dissent regarding Musk’s leadership. Both federal and local agencies are intensifying investigations to resolve these widespread attacks.