Violent Attacks on Tesla Dealerships Surge as Musk Becomes Key Figure in Trump Administration
Seattle (AP) — Tesla dealerships across the United States and overseas are increasingly becoming targets of violent attacks, including Molotov cocktails, gunfire, and vehicles being set on fire. Despite no injuries being reported, incidents have escalated, and the attacks have sparked concerns among authorities.
The uptick in attacks coincides with Elon Musk’s heightened role in politics following his close association with President Donald Trump. Experts on domestic extremism are unsure whether these incidents will become a long-term trend, but several violent acts have already been recorded across North America and Europe.
Tesla, once a symbol of the left’s push for electric vehicles, has become a controversial target due to Musk’s political affiliations. Critics have organized protests against the company, but a growing number of violent incidents suggest deeper political anger, particularly among left-leaning groups.
Incidents and Attacks
The violence has been especially pronounced in left-leaning cities, such as Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, where political tensions over Musk’s alignment with Trump are strong. In one case, a woman in Colorado faced charges after throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla vehicles and spray-painting “Nazi cars” on a dealership. Federal agents also arrested a man in South Carolina for setting fire to Tesla charging stations while expressing anti-government views.
In Oregon, a man is facing charges for throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla store and returning later to shoot out windows. In Tigard, a suburb of Portland, a Tesla showroom was hit with gunfire for the second time in a week. The most alarming attack took place in Seattle, where four Cybertrucks were set on fire at a Tesla lot earlier this month, followed by another incident involving an unoccupied Tesla Model S being set on fire in a Seattle street.
In Las Vegas, several Tesla vehicles were targeted in an arson attack at a service center, with the word “resist” painted across the building’s doors. Authorities are investigating whether the attacks are part of a coordinated political agenda, with some experts drawing parallels to terrorism due to the violent nature and messaging behind the vandalism.
Tesla’s Political Shift and Musk’s Influence
Tesla’s shift from being a progressive darling to a target for left-wing protesters can be traced back to Musk’s alliances with conservative figures. Musk has notably supported Trump’s 2024 campaign, becoming a major benefactor of the president’s political efforts. Additionally, his purchase of Twitter (renamed X) and his efforts to remove restrictions that angered conservatives have intensified the polarization surrounding his companies.
In the past, Tesla had received government support, including a federal loan during the Obama administration, which helped the company gain traction in the electric vehicle market. Under Trump, however, the company found new favor, especially after the president turned the White House driveway into a showroom for electric vehicles and expressed his support for Tesla.
Musk Responds to Attacks
Musk has condemned the attacks on Tesla properties and vehicles, claiming that some of the violence is organized and funded by left-wing groups. He expressed his frustration with the violence in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), calling the attacks “insane and deeply wrong.” Musk emphasized that Tesla is simply a company that makes electric cars and should not be the target of such aggressive actions.
Protests and Public Reaction
Progressive group Indivisible has distanced itself from the violent actions, stating that its public guidance promotes peaceful protest and condemns vandalism. However, some experts, like Colin Clarke from the Soufan Center, believe that left-wing political violence often targets property rather than people, making it less of an immediate security threat compared to other forms of extremism.
Tesla owners, including Theresa Ramsdell, president of the Tesla Owners of Washington state, have voiced their opposition to the violent tactics used against the company. Ramsdell pointed out that while people may dislike Musk or Trump, destroying property is not an effective or justifiable means of protest.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains unclear how long this wave of violence will last, but it is evident that Tesla’s role in the political landscape has made it a lightning rod for widespread dissent.
