Molotov cocktails, vandalism, and escalating violence target Tesla properties amid growing political tensions
Tesla, one of the companies led by billionaire Elon Musk, is facing a sharp rise in violent attacks on its vehicles, showrooms, and charging stations across the U.S. and abroad.
These incidents, including Molotov cocktail attacks, gunfire, and widespread vandalism, have sparked outrage and concern among both Tesla customers and government officials.
The growing wave of hostility is linked to Musk’s prominent role in the Trump administration and his controversial leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leading many to view Tesla as a symbol of the political turbulence surrounding the administration’s policies.
Vandalism and protests against Tesla
Since late January 2025, a troubling series of attacks has targeted Tesla facilities, vehicles, and charging stations, leaving a trail of destruction across the country. In Loveland, Colorado, a Tesla dealership became the site of five separate attacks involving graffiti and Molotov cocktails between January and March. In Salem, Oregon, Molotov cocktails and gunfire were used against Tesla properties in January and February. Other incidents include the arson of seven charging stations outside Boston and gunfire damaging a dealership in Tigard, Oregon.
The most recent attacks occurred on March 18, when two separate Tesla locations in Las Vegas and Kansas City were targeted. In Las Vegas, a Tesla service center was severely damaged by Molotov cocktails and gunfire, while in Kansas City, two Cybertrucks were burned at a dealership. While there have been no reported injuries, the attacks are causing growing concern about public safety and escalating political violence.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), have opened investigations into the attacks, working to determine whether these incidents are coordinated efforts. Federal authorities have increased security around Tesla facilities, but the motives behind the attacks are clear: they are a direct response to Musk’s controversial leadership within the Trump administration.
Political Context: Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration
The uptick in violence against Tesla coincides with Musk’s elevated role as the head of DOGE, a department created under President Donald Trump’s administration to oversee government efficiency and slash federal spending.
Musk has become a polarizing figure, with his proposals to cut Social Security benefits and eliminate waste in government programs drawing significant backlash. Critics argue that these measures disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including seniors, and represent a broader effort to roll back government services.
For his part, Musk has defended his initiatives, framing them as necessary to reduce federal waste. However, the controversial nature of these actions has made Musk and Tesla prime targets for protest. As sociologist Randy Blazak explained, “Tesla is an easy target. They’re rolling down our streets. They have dealerships in our neighborhoods.” The company’s visibility, combined with Musk’s political influence, has led to Tesla becoming a symbol of the policies many find objectionable, fueling the animosity behind the attacks.
White House response
President Donald Trump and his administration have strongly condemned the attacks on Tesla properties. At a recent White House appearance, Trump expressed his support for both Musk and Tesla, calling for swift action against those responsible for the violence. He labeled the attacks “unpatriotic” and underscored that any individuals who target Tesla would face legal consequences.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these sentiments, calling the attacks “domestic terrorism.” On March 20, Bondi announced that three suspects had been federally charged for their involvement in the recent Molotov cocktail attacks against Tesla properties. These charges, which could carry prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years, serve as a warning to others who might engage in similar violent actions.
Trump has also escalated his rhetoric against those responsible for vandalizing Tesla vehicles, suggesting that they could face lengthy prison sentences. On social media, the president even floated the idea of sending suspects to prisons in El Salvador, referencing the country’s notorious prison conditions.
Tesla’s role in a broader political divide
The violent actions targeting Tesla underscore the deep political divisions surrounding both Musk and his company. Activists have staged a series of so-called “Tesla Takedown” protests, aiming to voice their displeasure over Musk’s role in the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding cuts to the federal workforce and reductions in humanitarian programs.
Moreover, the acts of protest are not just happening in U.S. soil. The anti-Tesla and anti-Musk movement has gone global with several protests held in the UK. In a statement online, TeslaTakedown says that Musk’s access to money “depends largely on the share price of Tesla, and Tesla’s share price depends, fundamentally, on people who care about the climate continuing to buy his cars and use his [electric vehicle] chargers.” Protestors also claimed that Protesters say Elon Musk is using his wealth to fund far-right movements and climate change deniers.
As the federal investigations continue and law enforcement agencies work to secure Tesla properties, the question remains whether these attacks will spiral into a longer-term trend of political violence. For now, the company, its customers, and its leadership remain at the center of a national debate over the intersection of business, politics, and public safety.
Tesla’s stock surged following President Trump’s November election victory, buoyed by Musk’s $250 million investment into Trump’s campaign. However, in recent weeks, the stock has significantly dropped amid growing controversy over Musk’s leadership of DOGE.
In addition to the stock decline, Tesla has seen a dip in sales in several international markets, and resale values of its vehicles have reportedly fallen. Amid these challenges, Trump and Musk held an event on March 11 on the White House grounds showcasing Tesla’s vehicles. During the event, Trump expressed interest in purchasing a Tesla for himself and announced that he had already bought a Tesla Cybertruck for his granddaughter, Kai Trump.