Tesla Dealerships Targeted in Wave of Attacks Amid Musk’s White House Influence
Authorities in several states, as well as federal agencies, are investigating a string of fires, Molotov cocktail attacks, and shootings at Tesla facilities.
SEATTLE — A surge of violent attacks on Tesla dealerships, vehicle lots, and charging stations has raised alarms among law enforcement as tensions surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s political influence continue to mount. The latest incidents, including arson and vandalism across multiple cities, have targeted the electric vehicle company as Musk plays an increasingly prominent role in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Authorities in several states, as well as federal agencies, are investigating a string of fires, Molotov cocktail attacks, and shootings at Tesla facilities. In Seattle, four Tesla Cybertrucks were torched earlier this month. In Portland, more than a dozen bullets were fired into a Tesla showroom. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, multiple vehicles were set ablaze at a Tesla service center, where “RESIST” was spray-painted across the building’s entrance.
While no injuries have been reported, the scope of the attacks has widened, spanning from Oregon to South Carolina and as far as Berlin, Germany. The pattern has drawn comparisons to past protests against Trump properties during his first term, with Tesla now becoming a symbolic target of opposition.
A Growing Backlash
The wave of destruction coincides with Musk’s new role as head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has pushed aggressive spending cuts. His alignment with Trump, along with his sweeping influence over social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has fueled criticism from political opponents and former Tesla supporters alike.
“Tesla is a high-visibility brand, and it has become a political flashpoint,” said Randy Blazak, a sociologist specializing in political violence. “It’s not just a car company anymore. It’s an extension of Musk’s personal ideology, and that’s making it a target.”
Musk, once celebrated for championing clean energy and advancing electric vehicle adoption, has increasingly positioned himself alongside conservative figures. He has also financially backed Trump’s reelection efforts, making him the former president’s top donor in 2024. His political shift has alienated a segment of Tesla’s once-loyal customer base, with some former buyers distancing themselves from the brand.
Escalation of Attacks
Several high-profile arrests have been made in connection with the violence. In Colorado, a woman faces charges for allegedly firebombing Tesla dealerships and defacing properties with anti-Musk graffiti. In South Carolina, federal agents apprehended a suspect accused of sabotaging Tesla charging stations, reportedly citing opposition to Musk’s government role in personal writings found at his home.
“These attacks bear hallmarks of politically motivated extremism,” said Spencer Evans, special agent in charge at the Las Vegas FBI office. “The combination of direct violence, incendiary rhetoric, and targeted destruction suggests a larger pattern that we are actively investigating.”
In a recent podcast appearance, Musk claimed without evidence that the attacks were “organized and funded” by left-wing groups. He later took to X, calling the incidents “evil attacks” and insisting Tesla “has done nothing to deserve this.”
A Brand Under Fire
Tesla, which thrived under federal support during the Obama administration, has now become a lightning rod for political controversy. The company’s close ties to Trump’s White House have led to both boycotts and backlash from liberal consumers. Progressive advocacy groups have organized protests outside Tesla facilities, although most demonstrations have remained peaceful.
Meanwhile, some Tesla owners have found creative ways to signal neutrality, affixing bumper stickers that read: “Bought this before Elon went off the rails” or “Just wanted an EV, not a political statement.”
While Tesla’s stock saw an initial boost following Trump’s reelection, the recent unrest has erased those gains, adding further uncertainty to the company’s volatile market standing.
Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation, with officials warning that the escalation of violence against Tesla properties could be a sign of broader political tensions spilling into the streets.
