Tesla hit by arson in Las Vegas: How Musk’s EV company has been at centre of attacks

“This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility,” Koren said during a news conference later that day.

Surveillance footage revealed that a suspect dressed in black fired shots at the cars before igniting two of them using Molotov cocktails. Police found an unexploded Molotov cocktail inside a third vehicle, which is being examined for further evidence. The fire was contained before it could spread to the cars’ batteries, and no injuries were reported.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now involved in the investigation. Spencer Evans, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office, stressed the seriousness of the incident.

“This is a federal crime,” Evans said, warning that those responsible for the attacks, or anyone considering similar actions, would be held accountable. The FBI is looking into whether this attack is linked to other recent acts of vandalism and violence targeting Tesla properties nationwide.

JUST IN: The FBI is on the scene after several Teslas were lit on fire at a Tesla service center in Las Vegas, according to LV Review-Journal.

The arson incident unfolded at 2:45 am in what appears to be a terror attack.

“Communications received information that an individual… pic.twitter.com/Nng2FXKSZ0

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 18, 2025

Recent wave of Tesla attacks

The Las Vegas incident is the latest in a string of attacks on Tesla facilities and vehicles in the US. In early March, seven Tesla charging stations were set on fire at a shopping mall near Boston. Less than a week later, six protesters were arrested after occupying a Tesla showroom in New York City. In Oregon, a Tesla dealership was hit by gunfire in the early hours of Thursday, damaging three cars and shattering windows.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about these attacks. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Musk described the wave of violence as “insane” and “deeply wrong”. He added, “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”

The attacks come as Musk faces increasing criticism for his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, a cost-cutting initiative within the federal government. The initiative, which Musk heads, has sparked protests across the country, with many targeting Tesla, the company he leads.

US Attorney General Pamela Bondi has labelled the wave of violence against Tesla property as domestic terrorism. In a statement released on Tuesday, Bondi said the Department of Justice has already charged several individuals involved in the attacks, some of whom are facing mandatory minimum sentences of five years.

“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said. She vowed to pursue both the perpetrators and those who may be funding or supporting these acts.

A member of the Seattle Fire Department inspects a burned Tesla Cybertruck at a Tesla lot in Seattle. (Photo: AP)

Tesla’s struggles continue

In addition to the physical attacks, Tesla is facing challenges on the financial front, too. The company recently reported its first-ever drop in annual sales, with competition in the electric vehicle market increasing globally. Sales of Tesla vehicles in China, the company’s second-largest market, fell 29% in the first two months of the year. In Europe, while overall electric vehicle sales surged by 34% in January, Tesla’s sales dropped by 50%.

In the US, Tesla’s sales decreased by 16% between December and January, according to estimates from Cox Automotive. The company’s declining sales have been attributed in part to the backlash against Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting initiatives, leading to growing calls for boycotts and protests.

The protest movement against Tesla and Musk has been gaining momentum. On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at a Tesla showroom in Manhattan’s West Village, chanting slogans like “Nobody voted for Elon Musk” and “Oligarchs out, democracy in.” Some protesters entered the building, leading to six arrests.

In Oregon, employees at a Tesla dealership in Tigard arrived at work last Thursday to find gunshot damage to the building. Police reported that at least seven shots had been fired, damaging vehicles and shattering windows. One bullet pierced a wall and hit a computer monitor inside the building.

“Resist” is spray painted on the doors of a Tesla collision center in the 6000 block of West Badura Avenue on Tuesday in Las Vegas. (Photo: AP)

What has been the govt’s response?

The growing list of incidents has caught the attention of federal authorities. Last week, Attorney General Bondi announced a nationwide investigation into vandalism against Tesla properties, warning potential attackers of severe legal consequences.

“If you’re going to touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out because we’re coming after you,” Bondi said during an appearance on Fox Business. She added that her office was actively investigating both the individuals involved in the attacks and any groups that may be financing or coordinating the activities.