Tesla Under Siege: Protesters Turn to Firebombs and Vandalism in Nationwide Attacks

A series of violent attacks against Tesla dealerships and charging stations has spread across the United States and Europe, with multiple locations vandalized, set on fire, or even shot at. The escalating wave of destruction appears to be linked to growing protests against Elon Musk’s political influence and his role in federal workforce cuts.

While some demonstrations against Tesla have remained peaceful, the latest string of arson and vandalism incidents has raised serious safety concerns, prompting federal and local law enforcement to launch investigations into who’s behind these coordinated attacks.

Tesla Facilities Targeted in Multiple Cities

The attacks, which began earlier this year, have escalated in frequency and severity over the past few weeks. Some of the most significant incidents include:

• Salem, Oregon: Molotov cocktails were thrown at a Tesla dealership, sparking two fires and causing an estimated $500,000 in damages. The same store was later targeted again, with gunfire shattering its windows.
• Boston, Massachusetts: Seven Tesla charging stations were set on fire, leaving a major Supercharger hub inoperable.
• Loveland, Colorado: A Tesla showroom has been vandalized multiple times, with extensive property damage.
• Toulouse, France: A fire broke out at a Tesla dealership, destroying eight vehicles and damaging four others.
• Tigard, Oregon: At least seven shots were fired at a Tesla store, shattering windows and damaging several vehicles.

The increasing frequency and intensity of these attacks have sparked calls for a federal investigation, with some lawmakers demanding that the FBI classify the incidents as acts of domestic terrorism.

What’s Fueling the Tesla Backlash?

The Tesla Takedown movement, which initially started as a peaceful protest urging customers to boycott Tesla, has grown into a more aggressive campaign against Musk’s leadership and Tesla’s business practices.

Activists accuse Musk of using his close political ties to influence federal policies while simultaneously cutting thousands of jobs through his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Critics argue that Musk has leveraged government contracts and subsidies to build his empire, only to turn around and lay off American workers.

While many demonstrations remain peaceful, fringe groups within the movement appear to have escalated their tactics, shifting from boycotts to direct attacks on Tesla infrastructure.

Lawmakers and Law Enforcement Respond

The rising violence has prompted strong reactions from political leaders, with some urging a nationwide crackdown on those responsible for the attacks.

• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and several GOP lawmakers have called on federal agencies to investigate the incidents, warning that the attacks on Tesla are part of a larger coordinated assault on free enterprise.
• Former President Donald Trump has publicly defended Musk and threatened to classify those responsible for the attacks as “domestic terrorists.”
• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is reportedly assisting in the investigation, focusing on the recent arson and firearm-related attacks.

Authorities are also examining whether international activist groups may be involved, as similar Tesla attacks have been reported in Europe, raising concerns about a global anti-Tesla movement gaining traction.

Tesla Owners and Employees Concerned

The wave of attacks has left many Tesla employees and vehicle owners worried about the safety of their workplaces and personal property.

Some Tesla drivers have reported vandalism against their parked cars, while employees at targeted stores have expressed concerns about returning to work amid the ongoing threats.

One Tesla employee in Oregon, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “We understand people may not like Musk, but attacking our workplaces and the cars we sell doesn’t hurt him—it hurts us.”

What’s Next?

With law enforcement agencies ramping up their investigations and politicians weighing in, the coming weeks could bring a clearer picture of who is orchestrating these attacks and what legal consequences they might face.

Despite the ongoing backlash, Tesla continues to expand its charging network and push forward with new vehicle launches. However, the escalating violence poses a serious challenge for the company’s public image and its ability to operate without disruption.

Whether these attacks fade out or continue to escalate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Tesla is at the center of a growing political and social storm that is far from over.