Tesla Dealerships Targeted as Musk Condemns “Evil Attacks”

• Mar 19, 2025

Attacks on Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles have been increasing across the U.S. and overseas, with vandals targeting the electric car company owned by Elon Musk. While no injuries have been reported, law enforcement is investigating multiple incidents, including arson, vandalism, and Molotov cocktail attacks.

A Surge in Tesla Vandalism

Tesla locations and vehicles have been targeted in several states, including Oregon, Washington, Colorado, South Carolina, and Nevada. In Las Vegas, several Tesla cars were set on fire early Tuesday outside a service center, with the word "resist" spray-painted in red on the building's doors. Authorities believe Molotov cocktails were used in the attack, and gunfire was also reported.

Similar incidents have occurred in the Pacific Northwest, where anti-Musk sentiment is strong. In Salem, Oregon, a man allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at a Tesla store before returning another day to shoot out the windows. In a nearby suburb, a Tesla showroom was hit with more than a dozen bullets in a separate attack. In Seattle, four Cybertrucks were torched in a Tesla lot, and another Tesla was set on fire on a city street.

Law enforcement has made several arrests in connection with these crimes. In Colorado, a suspect was charged with attacking a Tesla dealership multiple times, including spray-painting "Nazi cars" on a building. In South Carolina, federal agents arrested a man accused of setting fire to Tesla charging stations. Authorities found writings in his bedroom and wallet that criticized the government and Elon Musk’s role in Trump's administration.

Political Backlash and Tesla’s Changing Image

Tesla was once seen as a symbol of progress and sustainability, benefiting from a $465 million federal loan during the Obama administration. However, Musk’s political stance has shifted in recent years. He purchased Twitter (now X), removed content restrictions that had angered conservatives, and became a major donor to Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Since Trump took office, Tesla has become a target for protests and vandalism. Musk critics have organized peaceful demonstrations at Tesla dealerships and factories, while some owners— including a U.S. senator— have pledged to sell their vehicles. Others have resorted to using bumper stickers to distance themselves from Musk’s politics, with slogans like, “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.”

Despite the political controversy, some Tesla owners remain loyal. Theresa Ramsdell, president of a Tesla owners’ club in Washington state, condemned the vandalism. “Hate on Elon and Trump all you want, but destroying property is not the answer,” she said.

Government Response and Investigations

The attacks have drawn the attention of federal and state authorities. Attorney General Pam Bondi has launched an investigation into who might be funding the vandalism, calling it "domestic terrorism" and warning that perpetrators will face consequences.

President Trump has strongly backed Musk, calling the vandalism a form of “domestic terror” and vowing harsh penalties for those involved. “If you’re going to touch a Tesla, you better watch out because we’re coming after you,” Bondi warned in a recent interview.

Meanwhile, Musk has denounced the attacks, calling them "evil" and suggesting that left-wing organizations may be behind them. On social media, he wrote, “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”

As tensions grow, the rise in Tesla-related violence highlights the increasing intersection of business, politics, and social activism in the U.S.