The FBI is investigating a possible act of domestic terrorism after Tesla vehicles shot and set on fire at a repair facility in Las Vegas. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, involved a suspect dressed in black who used a firearm and Molotov cocktails to target multiple vehicles.
Police discovered the phrase “Resist” spray-painted on the front doors of the Tesla repair facility, adding a possible ideological motive to the attack.
Authorities across the country are now closely examining a series of recent incidents targeting Tesla properties, raising concerns about an emerging pattern of violence against the company.
The Attack and Its Immediate Aftermath
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the incident took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. after several 911 calls reported a fire at the Tesla repair facility.
Upon arrival, officers found multiple vehicles engulfed in flames and bullet-ridden car frames. Surveillance footage captured a suspect, clad entirely in black, firing a weapon at the cars before setting two of them ablaze using Molotov cocktails. A third Molotov cocktail, which failed to detonate, was recovered and is now being examined for forensic evidence.
Las Vegas police have confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the fire department was able to contain the blaze before it reached the vehicles’ batteries, preventing a more catastrophic event.
The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived, and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, are now working to identify and apprehend the individual responsible.
Read : Lucy Grace Nelson Arrested For Planting Incendiary Devices at a Tesla Dealership in Loveland
Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren stated in a press conference that this was a “targeted attack against a Tesla repair facility” and emphasized that law enforcement is treating the incident as a serious threat.
These are the Teslas that a terrorist set on fire early this morning in Las Vegas. Yes, I’m gonna call this terrorism. This is political action designed to terrorize people and a whole company. Serious penalties need to be doled out.
— Jennifer 🟥🔴🧙♀️🦉🐈⬛ 🦖 (@babybeginner) March 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/kKQcLoK1n3
Given the growing number of similar attacks across the United States, authorities believe this could be part of a larger anti-Tesla movement fueled by political and economic factors.
A Pattern of Violence Against Tesla
The Las Vegas attack is not an isolated event. Over the past month, Tesla properties and vehicles have been the target of numerous violent acts, including arson, vandalism, and showroom occupations.
On March 3, an arson attack at a Tesla charging station outside a Boston mall destroyed seven charging units. Just days later, six protesters were arrested for occupying a Tesla showroom in New York City. In Colorado, a woman was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails and damaging Tesla vehicles.
The wave of attacks has prompted a strong response from law enforcement officials and government agencies. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi called these incidents “domestic terrorism” and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable.
She emphasized that her department has already begun charging individuals in connection with these attacks, many of whom now face long-term mandatory minimum sentences.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also spoken out about the attacks, calling them “deeply wrong” and “insane.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk defended his company, stating, “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”
His comments reflect the growing concern among Tesla executives and shareholders, as these incidents pose not only security risks but also financial threats to the company.
Tesla’s Financial Struggles and the Broader Impact
Beyond the physical damage to its properties, Tesla is facing significant financial challenges. The company recently reported its first-ever drop in annual sales, a troubling sign as competition in the electric vehicle market intensifies.
While overall EV sales in Europe surged by 34% in January, Tesla’s sales plummeted by 50%. In China, Tesla’s second-largest market, sales fell by 29% in the first two months of the year, and in the U.S., Tesla experienced a 16% drop between December and January.
Industry analysts believe that some of the backlash against Tesla is linked to Elon Musk’s controversial role in the Trump administration’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. This has alienated certain consumer demographics and led to political tensions that may be fueling the recent wave of attacks.
Federal authorities are now investigating whether there is an organized effort behind these incidents or if they are isolated acts of protest against Tesla’s business practices and Musk’s political affiliations. The Department of Justice has made it clear that those found responsible will face severe legal consequences.
As law enforcement continues its investigation, the Tesla community remains on high alert. The recent violence against the company has raised concerns about safety at Tesla facilities, showrooms, and charging stations across the country.
With tensions running high and Tesla’s financial stability in question, the company finds itself navigating one of the most turbulent periods in its history.