Las Vegas, Nevada – Five Tesla vehicles were intentionally damaged in an attack on a Tesla facility in Las Vegas, as reported by the local police on Tuesday. This incident is part of a series of protests against Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk. The police are investigating the vandalism, with Attorney General Pam Bondi promising to prosecute the perpetrators.
The targeted attack in Las Vegas involved setting cars on fire, firing gunshots, and painting the word “RESIST” on the storefront’s windows. Similar incidents have occurred nationwide, including arson attacks, vandalism, and shootings at Tesla facilities. In Kansas City, two Tesla Cybertrucks were set on fire, while in Tigard, Oregon, shots were fired at a Tesla dealership, damaging cars and windows.
Protesters from the British environmentalist group, Just Stop Oil, poured orange liquid latex over a Tesla Optimus robot at a store in London to protest Musk’s actions. In Dedham, Massachusetts, three Tesla vehicles were vandalized, and in Seattle, four Tesla Cybertrucks were damaged in a fire under investigation by fire officials.
In North Charleston, South Carolina, a man accidentally set fire to his clothes and Tesla charging stations with Molotov cocktails, wearing a provocative shirt. These incidents reflect a pattern of targeted attacks against Tesla properties, sparking concerns and investigations at various locations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has initiated an investigation into the Tesla protests to identify and prosecute the individuals involved. The protests have drawn attention from former President Donald Trump, who labeled the vandals as domestic terrorists. The lack of a federal charge for domestic terrorism complicates the prosecution of individuals involved in these acts.
The international scope of the protests is evident in incidents in Toulouse, France, and Berlin, Germany. A group named “Tesla Takedown” has been linked to peaceful protests urging people to divest from Tesla and join picket lines. Elon Musk, in response to the attacks, condemned the violence and vandalism, describing the actions as terrorism.
As the investigations and prosecutions unfold, the impact of these protests on Tesla’s operations and Musk’s leadership is under scrutiny. The incidents have coincided with a challenging period for Musk, with stock market fluctuations and operational setbacks at Tesla, SpaceX, and X. The ongoing tension between protesters, law enforcement, and company officials underscores broader issues related to activism, corporate responsibility, and public safety.