The Escalating Wave of Tesla Attacks: Vandalism, Arson, and Musk's Response

The past few months have witnessed an unprecedented surge in attacks targeting Tesla dealerships, vehicles, and charging stations across North America. As Tesla CEO Elon Musk has taken on a prominent role in President Donald Trump’s administration, his electric vehicle company has become a lightning rod for political protests and vandalism. These incidents range from minor property damage to serious destruction through arson and gunfire, prompting Tesla to implement enhanced security measures while government officials have categorized these attacks as “domestic terrorism.”

@cnn
A person set fire to several Tesla vehicles at a dealership in Las Vegas after a string of similar incidents have occurred across the country. CNN’s Josh Campbell explains how the suspect conducted their attack.
♬ original sound – CNN

The Scale and Geographic Spread of Attacks

According to the FBI, Tesla vehicles and facilities have been attacked in at least nine states since the beginning of 2025, with incidents involving arson, gunfire, and vandalism14. The perpetrators often leave graffiti expressing opposition to individuals they perceive as political adversaries.

In Las Vegas, at least five Tesla vehicles were set ablaze and gunfire was reported at a Tesla repair facility, where the attacker also wrote “RESIST” on windows5 11. The Las Vegas incident is just one in a series of high-profile attacks. In Kansas City, two Tesla Cybertrucks were set on fire at a dealership on March 1711. A Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon experienced multiple shooting incidents, with more than a dozen shots fired in a second attack on March 13, damaging both vehicles and store windows11.

In Loveland, Colorado, vandals smashed windows, painted Cybertruck windshields with large red Xs, and attempted to start a fire. They also spray-painted “Nazi Cars” on the dealership, which reported this was the third such attack in 2025 alone13. The damage extends beyond U.S. borders. In Hamilton, Ontario, nearly 80 Tesla vehicles were damaged at a dealership, with deep scratches and punctured tires1.

Individual Tesla owners have also become targets. In Dallas, a Tesla owner discovered his car had been keyed while parked at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, with the incident captured by the vehicle’s built-in security cameras and subsequently going viral on social media12.

Politically Motivated Attacks

The timing of these attacks corresponds with Elon Musk’s appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration4. Since January, DOGE has worked to reduce government costs, resulting in significant federal workforce reductions and the cancellation of humanitarian program contracts12.

Critics argue that Musk’s involvement in these policies has led to economic instability and deteriorating social support systems, prompting widespread demonstrations12. Additionally, Musk’s alignment with President Trump and his support for controversial political figures have further fueled public dissent.

These factors have culminated in the “Tesla Takedown” movement, where activists urge consumers to divest from Tesla products and organize protests at Tesla dealerships nationwide12. The movement has listed dozens of public demonstrations at Tesla showrooms in recent weeks15.

Some Tesla owners have distanced themselves from Musk with bumper stickers reading “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy,” “Elon killed my resale value,” or “Anti-Elon Tesla Club”4 8.

Musk’s Responses and Reactions

Elon Musk has been vocal in his condemnation of the attacks. In several posts on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed shock at the violence targeting his company:

“This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong,” Musk wrote. “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks”4 16.

In another post, he directly blamed political opponents: “The left is the party of violence & hate”4.

During a company-wide meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Musk addressed Tesla employees about the situation, telling vandals to “stop being psycho”5 7.

“I understand if you’re not interested in buying our product,” Musk remarked during the unscheduled meeting streamed live on X, “but there’s no need to destroy it. That’s somewhat unreasonable, you know. Like, this is irrational”7.

Musk has expressed disbelief at the intensity of the backlash: “Reading the news feels like the end of the world. I can’t walk past the TV without seeing a Tesla in flames”5.

He has emphasized that “Tesla is a peaceful company. We’ve never engaged in any harmful activities”5 15.

In an appearance on Fox News, Musk suggested that some of the attacks are “organized and paid for” by “left-wing organizations in America, funded by left-wing billionaires”8. He also implied a possible connection between the protests and his efforts to identify fraudulent government spending15.

Security Measures Implemented

In response to the escalating attacks, Musk announced on March 20 that “Tesla has ramped up security and activated Sentry Mode on all vehicles at stores”1 6.

Sentry Mode is a Tesla security feature that uses the vehicle’s exterior cameras to record suspicious activity around it. As described in the Tesla Model 3 owners manual, “Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby”1.

This system has proven beneficial for individual owners, catching vandals and thieves in plain view6. However, implementing Sentry Mode across all dealership vehicles presents some challenges. The system can drain between 10-15% of a vehicle’s battery each day, which means Tesla needs to ensure that vehicles in their care are regularly charged6. Fortunately, Tesla recently introduced an update that reportedly reduces this battery drain by about 40%6.

Beyond activating Sentry Mode, Musk has mentioned that Tesla has “ramped up security” at its locations, though he has not provided specific details about additional measures being taken6.

Government and Law Enforcement Response

The response from government officials and law enforcement has been swift and severe. Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled the attacks as “nothing short of domestic terrorism” and warned that those responsible will face serious consequences2 15 16.

“If you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,” Bondi stated in an announcement on March 202.

The Department of Justice has already charged three people allegedly responsible for violent incidents targeting Tesla cars, showrooms, and charging stations across the country2. These charges carry a minimum penalty of five years and up to 20 years in prison for a range of violent acts, including using Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla cars and charging stations, and possessing other “incendiary devices” and a suppressed AR-15 rifle2.

President Trump has also weighed in, criticizing the attacks and efforts to boycott Musk’s companies2. Trump has said Tesla vandalism amounts to “domestic terror” and warned that those who target the company are “going to go through hell”8 15. To show his support, Trump purchased a Tesla Model S, which he showcased in front of the White House last week5.

The FBI issued a warning on March 22, advising the public to “stay alert” in the vicinity of Tesla locations14. The FBI described the perpetrators as “lone offenders” who operate primarily at night, utilizing basic tactics including makeshift incendiary devices and firearms14.

Impact on Tesla and Its Customers

The attacks and surrounding controversy have had a significant impact on Tesla as a company and its customer base. Tesla’s stock has plummeted 37% since the beginning of 2025, though it showed signs of recovery with a 1.5% increase on March 217.

The market for used Teslas has also been affected. Prices for used Cybertrucks have dropped nearly 8% since Trump took office, according to CarGurus, while the overall used car market remained steady8.

Some Tesla owners have decided to sell their vehicles amid the protests, while others have affixed bumper stickers distancing themselves from Musk15 8. Cybertruck owners in particular have reported experiencing more road rage and vandalism directed at them in recent months15.

The controversy has created divisions within the Tesla owner community. Theresa Ramsdell, president of Tesla Owners of Washington state, said, “Hate on Elon and Trump all you want — that’s fine and dandy, it’s your choice. It doesn’t justify ruining somebody’s property, vandalizing it, destroying it, setting it on fire. There’s other ways to get your voice heard that’s more effective”16.

Historical Context: The Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion

The current wave of attacks follows a notable incident from earlier this year. On January 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, killing the perpetrator and injuring seven bystanders3. Authorities identified the driver as Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an American-born, active-duty United States Army Special Forces soldier from Colorado Springs3.

The vehicle contained firework mortars and gas canisters, which fueled the explosion and fire3. This incident, while separate from the more recent politically motivated attacks on Tesla properties, provides important context for the increasing targeting of Tesla vehicles for political reasons.

In The End…

The wave of attacks targeting Tesla represents an extraordinary intersection of business, politics, and activism in the United States. As Elon Musk continues his work with the Trump administration, Tesla faces the challenge of protecting its assets and reputation from those who view the company as an extension of Musk’s political activities.

The implementation of enhanced security measures like Sentry Mode may help deter or identify perpetrators, but the root causes of the protests remain unaddressed. The strong response from the Department of Justice and FBI indicates that authorities are taking these incidents seriously, framing them not as mere vandalism but as acts of domestic terrorism.

For Tesla owners and potential customers, the situation creates a complicated relationship with a brand that has become increasingly politicized. As the attacks continue, Tesla, law enforcement, and government officials will need to work together to find more effective solutions to protect the company’s property and employees while addressing the underlying political tensions that have fueled these incidents.

The Escalating Wave of Tesla Attacks: Vandalism, Arson, and Musk’s Response