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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has expressed shock and concern over the increasing number of attacks targeting his electric vehicle company.
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday, Musk described the wave of vandalism as “shocking” and accused left-wing activists of orchestrating the violence.
“I thought the left, the Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy and compassion. But now they’re burning cars, firebombing dealerships, and even shooting at them. They’re just smashing up Teslas,” he said.
Musk called the attacks “deranged” and suggested they might be linked to “some kind of mental illness.” He also hinted at a larger, more coordinated effort behind the destruction.
“Who’s funding this? Who’s organizing it?” he questioned.
So far, no concrete evidence has emerged proving any organized political motivation behind these attacks.
Las Vegas Tesla Facility Targeted in Firebomb Attack
Musk’s comments followed a violent attack on a Tesla collision center in Las Vegas early Tuesday morning.
At around 2:45 a.m., police responded to reports of multiple burning vehicles outside the facility. Investigators discovered the word “resist” spray-painted on the front of the building.
At least five vehicles were damaged, with two completely engulfed in flames. Authorities revealed that Molotov cocktails and firearms were used in the attack, with evidence showing at least three bullets were fired into vehicles.
An unexploded Molotov cocktail was also recovered at the scene.
Las Vegas police confirmed that the incident appeared to be a targeted attack and announced increased patrols around Tesla locations as a precaution.
The FBI has launched an investigation and is not ruling out the possibility of terrorism.
FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans acknowledged that the attack had “some hallmarks” of terrorism but said it was too early to make definitive conclusions.
“Violent acts like this are unacceptable, regardless of where they happen. If you think this is justifiable or admirable, you need to know this is a federal crime, and we will come after you,” Evans warned.
A Pattern of Attacks Against Tesla
The Las Vegas incident is the latest in a series of attacks on Tesla facilities and vehicles, both in the U.S. and internationally.
- Kansas City, Missouri (March 17): Two Tesla Cybertrucks were set on fire at a dealership.
- Berlin, Germany (March 14): Four Teslas were torched in an apparent act of arson.
- Oregon, USA (March 13): A Tesla dealership was shot at for the second time in a week, damaging multiple cars and showroom windows.
- New York City, USA (March 8): Protesters vandalized a Manhattan Tesla showroom, shattering glass doors. Police arrested six people.
- Toulouse, France (March 5): A fire at a Tesla dealership destroyed eight cars and damaged four others.
- Massachusetts, USA (March 5): A Tesla charging station was set ablaze, causing significant damage.
What’s Behind the Attacks?
While some incidents appear to be politically motivated, others remain unclear. Some protesters argue that Tesla represents corporate greed and environmental hypocrisy, pointing to Musk’s status as a billionaire.
During the New York City protests, demonstrators chanted:
“We need clean air, not another billionaire.”
What Happens Next?
With the FBI now involved, law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to track down those responsible. Officials have made it clear that anyone engaging in such attacks will face federal prosecution.
Meanwhile, Tesla has yet to release an official statement regarding the escalating violence. However, Musk’s comments suggest he believes these attacks are more than just isolated incidents.
Whether these acts of vandalism are part of a larger movement or simply sporadic criminal activity remains to be seen.
