Violent Attacks On Tesla Dealerships Rise In US

Seattle: Cybertrucks set ablaze. Bullets and Molotov cocktails aimed at Tesla showrooms. Attacks on property carrying the logo of Elon Musk’s electric-car company are cropping up across the US and overseas. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations and privately owned cars have been targeted. In Canada, Tesla was removed from an international auto show over safety concerns.

There has been a clear uptick in Tesla attacks since President Donald Trump took office and empowered Musk to oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that is slashing government spending.

Experts on domestic extremism say it’s impossible to know yet if the spate of incidents will balloon into a long-term pattern. In Trump’s first term, his properties in New York City, Washington and elsewhere became a natural place for protest. In the early days of his second term, Tesla is filling that role. “Tesla is an easy target,” said Randy Blazak, a sociologist who studies political violence.

“They’re rolling down our streets. They have dealerships in our neighbourhoods.” Musk critics have organised dozens of peaceful demonstrations at Tesla dealerships and factories across North America and Europe. Some Tesla owners, including a US senator who feuded with Musk, have vowed to sell their vehicles. But the attacks are keeping law enforcement busy.