The FBI is investigating an attack on a Tesla repair facility in Las Vegas as a possible act of domestic terrorism after several vehicles were shot and set on fire, according to CNN.
The incident is part of a broader wave of vandalism targeting Tesla properties across the United States, which authorities are treating as coordinated and politically motivated acts.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, a person dressed in black shot at and ignited several Tesla vehicles at the facility around 2:45 a.m. The word “Resist” was spray-painted on the front doors of the business.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect using Molotov cocktails to set two vehicles on fire, while a third unexploded device was found inside another car and is being examined for evidence.
No injuries were reported, and firefighters extinguished the flames before they could reach the vehicles’ batteries. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation, with Special Agent Spencer Evans warning that such acts are federal crimes.
Broader pattern of attacks
The Las Vegas incident is the latest in a series of attacks on Tesla properties, including showrooms, charging stations, and vehicles. The acts have been linked to growing backlash against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has taken on a controversial role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.
In North Charleston, South Carolina, 24-year-old Daniel Clarke-Pounder was arrested for an arson attack on a Tesla charging station on 7 March. On 3 March, seven Tesla charging stations at a mall outside Boston were set on fire.
In New York City, six protesters were arrested for occupying a Tesla showroom on 8 March. In Colorado, a woman was accused of throwing Molotov cocktails and vandalising Tesla vehicles and a showroom.
US Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the attacks as “nothing short of domestic terrorism” and announced a crackdown on vandalism against Tesla properties.
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.
Crisis at Tesla
Tesla’s sales in Europe fell by 50% in January, despite a 34% surge in overall electric vehicle sales. In China, Tesla’s second-largest market, sales dropped 29% in the first two months of the year. Meanwhile, US sales declined by 16% between December and January, according to Cox Automotive.
Elon Musk condemned the attacks on X.
This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.
Authorities are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks, as well as any individuals or groups funding or organising the vandalism.
