Nationwide Vandalism and Arson at Tesla Facilities Amid Political Protests
Since Elon Musk began his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has overseen sweeping federal workforce cuts, Tesla has found itself at the center of a wave of politically motivated vandalism, arson, and protests across the country.
A Surge in Incidents
Authorities report that Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations have been repeatedly targeted in recent weeks. In Tigard, Oregon, the latest incident unfolded overnight at a local Tesla dealership. According to Kelsey Anderson, public information officer at the Tigard Police Department, “more than a dozen” shots were fired at the site. This marks the second attack at this location within a week—the earlier one on March 6 involved seven bullets that damaged three cars and shattered windows. While a security guard on scene was unharmed, police have not yet determined a specific motive behind these shootings, though officials note that similar attacks have been reported nationwide for political reasons.
Multiple States, Varied Tactics
In Dedham, Massachusetts, three Tesla vehicles sustained vandalism when spray-painted graffiti appeared on two Cybertrucks and a Tesla Model S suffered damage to all four tires. On Sunday night in Seattle, fire crews rushed to extinguish a blaze that engulfed four electric vehicles at a dealership. The Seattle Fire Department confirmed that, although the fire required prompt intervention to prevent its spread, no buildings were involved and no injuries were reported. The Seattle Police Department is still investigating whether foul play contributed to the blaze.
In Lynnwood, Washington, six Teslas were defaced at a local dealership—with one black Cybertruck notably graffitied with swastikas, a symbol that police said was aimed directly at CEO Elon Musk. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, an individual targeting a Tesla charging station spray-painted an expletive directed at President Donald Trump and the words “LONG LIVE UKRAINE” on the ground before launching homemade Molotov cocktails. Although the suspect fled before police arrived, authorities cut power to the affected charging stations as a safety precaution.
Additional incidents include deliberate graffiti at a dealership in Owings Mills, Maryland, where “NO MUSK” was emblazoned on the windows alongside a symbol resembling an “X” inside a circle—a possible nod to Musk’s ownership of Twitter. In Colorado, a woman was arrested after being caught with explosives at a Tesla dealership in Loveland amid a series of repeated vandalism attacks.
Political Backdrop and Protests
The uptick in vandalism comes as Tesla’s stock has tumbled nearly 48% this year, a drop that critics tie to Musk’s controversial role at DOGE and his close association with the Trump administration. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs told ABC News that the protests and deteriorating market performance “can all be tied to [Musk’s] time at DOGE.”
Across the country, protests have been organized at Tesla dealerships. Some Tesla owners, disillusioned by recent events, have even placed stickers on their vehicles reading “I bought this before Elon went crazy.” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump expressed his support for Musk on Truth Social, stating that he would purchase a new Tesla as a show of confidence.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene further intensified the political rhetoric by labeling the acts of vandalism and arson as “domestic terrorism” in a letter to top federal law enforcement officials, urging a thorough investigation into the coordinated nature of these attacks.
Investigation and Response
Law enforcement agencies across several states are actively investigating these incidents. While no arrests have been made in some cases, charges have been filed in others—such as in Colorado, where a suspect faces multiple felony charges related to the use of explosives at a dealership. The continuity and spread of these attacks have raised concerns about the possibility of coordinated efforts by groups opposed to both Musk and his political affiliations.
A spokesperson for Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the company’s public image is taking a hit as its facilities become a focal point for political dissent.
Looking Ahead
As protests and acts of vandalism continue to disrupt Tesla operations nationwide, questions remain about the long-term impact on the company’s brand and stock performance. With political tensions high and public sentiment sharply divided, the interplay between corporate leadership and political activism shows no sign of abating.
Authorities vow to pursue all leads and impose severe consequences on those found responsible, while political figures on both sides of the aisle weigh in on the implications of these attacks. For now, the saga of Tesla’s troubles stands as a stark illustration of how deeply intertwined business and politics have become in 2025.
