Tesla cars, charging stations, and showrooms in the United States and Europe are being targeted with violence and protests following Elon Musk‘s efforts to slash federal government spending.
Numerous incidents of people vandalizing and protesting at Tesla showrooms have occurred around the country. The FBI, Department of Justice, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have said they are investigating the incidents.
The attacks
Earlier this month, seven Tesla charging stations were “intentionally” set on fire in Massachusetts, according to the Littleton Police Department.
“Chief Matthew Pinard reports that the Littleton Police Department responded to and is investigating fires at a Tesla charging station at The Point Shopping Center that are believed to be suspicious in nature,” authorities said. “Responding officers observed that several Tesla charging stations were engulfed in flames and heavy, dark smoke.”
A week prior, a Colorado woman was arrested after allegedly setting devices at a Tesla showroom on fire.
A few days before that incident, a Tesla showroom in Oregon was struck with gunfire. In January, that same showroom faced an arson attack, which coincided with Musk’s attendance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Authorities have not discovered a motive, but they said the timing of the attack raised suspicions.
This week, a person dressed in black shot several Tesla vehicles and set fire to others at a Tesla service center in Las Vegas, Nevada. In Kansas City, Missouri, two Tesla Cybertrucks were set on fire.
Numerous videos have surfaced on the internet showing people vandalizing Tesla cars, often by being scratched with a key. A Tesla owner found a swastika drawn on his Cybertruck in New York. Multiple people have been arrested following similar incidents.
An auto show in Canada announced that Tesla cars were being removed one day before the event due to safety concerns.
“The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff,” said Eric Nicholl, executive director of the Vancouver Auto International Show, in a statement. “This decision will ensure all attendees can be solely focused on enjoying the many positive elements of the event.”
There have been no reports of injuries amid vandalism incidents.
Law enforcement reaction
Attorney General Pam Bondi called these actions “domestic terrorism,” and the DOJ said it has already charged “several perpetrators with that in mind.”
Spencer Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, confirmed that the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force was investigating the most recent incident in Las Vegas.
“To those who might think that something like this is justifiable or potentially even admirable, we want you to know this is a federal crime,” Evans said.
The FBI and ATF are working with the Kansas City Police Department to investigate the fires.
Bondi also announced an investigation and promised to crack down on vandalism against Tesla cars and showrooms.
“If you’re going to touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out because we’re coming after you. And if you’re funding this, we’re coming after you. We’re going to find out who you are,” Bondi said on Fox Business.
Musk’s reaction
“This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong,” Musk posted on X. “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”
The Tesla attacks came in response to Musk’s rise to political power and unofficial leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has been involved in cutting federal funding for programs such as child nutrition, which has ignited widespread protests.
Protests against Musk are not isolated to the United States. Other protests have occurred in France and Germany in response to Musk’s vocal support of right-wing European political parties.
“Musk or Us: Tesla Town Halls” is a campaign created to inform people about protesting Musk’s influence over the federal government. The organization gives instructions on how people can organize a protest at a Tesla showroom or SpaceX facility.
“To fight back, we have to meet Musk where he operates — across the country at Tesla showrooms, factories, and dealerships,” the campaign’s tool kit says. “A Tesla protest is a powerful way to expose his deep ties to the Trump coup and demand accountability.”
The protest campaign accused Musk of “dismantling democracy.”
“After spending over $250 million to help elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk is now collecting on his investment,” the tool kit says. “The world’s richest man isn’t just enabling Trump — he’s an unelected billionaire seizing control of government power for his own gain. This isn’t just about MAGA lawlessness — it’s about billionaire-driven authoritarianism, corporate overreach, and systemic corruption.”
Other reactions
Since the election, some Tesla drivers have been sporting new bumper stickers that say, “I brought this before we knew Elon was crazy,” or “Elon ate my cat” as a sign of protest. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced he was selling his Tesla after Musk called him “a traitor.”
Some public figures, including Trump, have bought Teslas to support Musk.
Since Trump assumed office, Tesla stock has dropped from the company’s December peak of $479.86 per share to $234.65 as of Wednesday.
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Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) joked that seeing Tesla stock plummet gave him “ a little boost.”
“Some of you know this: On the iPhone, they’ve got that little stock app. I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day. 225 and dropping,” Walz said, referring to the company’s stock. “If you own one, we’re not blaming you. You can take dental floss and pull the Tesla thing off, you know, and take out — just telling you.”
