Tesla dealerships and facilities across the United States are being targeted in a wave of violent attacks as protests against Elon Musk intensify, putting both his business empire and political influence under unprecedented pressure.
Top Takeaways
- Tesla facilities have faced more than a dozen violent attacks since Trump’s inauguration, including Molotov cocktails, gunfire, and vandalism at locations in Oregon, Colorado, and Massachusetts.
- The “Tesla Takedown” movement urges owners to sell vehicles and stock, with protest motivation stemming from Musk’s role in federal job cuts as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- Recent incidents include a man attacking a Tesla store in Salem, Oregon with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle, and another individual throwing Molotov cocktails at the same location.
- Tesla’s sales have plummeted, with a reported 45% drop in January compared to the previous year, while Musk’s personal net worth has decreased by over $100 billion.
- Demonstrations have spread internationally, with protests occurring in Lisbon, London, and Barcelona against Musk’s political stance and controversial statements.
Escalating Violence Against Tesla Properties
Police departments across multiple states are investigating an alarming series of attacks on Tesla facilities that have occurred in recent weeks. In Salem, Oregon, a 41-year-old man named Adam Matthew Lansky was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla location and later returning to the same site armed with an AR-style semi-automatic weapon.
The violence is nationwide, with incidents reported in Colorado, where a woman attacked a Tesla dealership with a Molotov cocktail while spray-painting “nazi cars” on the property. In Massachusetts, vandals targeted Tesla facilities with graffiti, and in Maryland, protesters defaced a dealership with swastika symbols. These attacks appear coordinated across state lines and represent a dangerous escalation from protests to vandalism and violence.
Protests Erupt In NYC at the Tesla dealership pic.twitter.com/Y0t55pxKrU
— Real Life Footage (@RealLifeFootage) March 9, 2025
Political Motivations Behind the Protests
The attacks and demonstrations are primarily fueled by opposition to Musk’s increased political influence within the Trump administration. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has been tasked with reducing the federal workforce, leading to layoffs that have prompted 20 states to file lawsuits against the administration. Many protesters view Musk’s government role as an overreach of his authority and influence, arguing that his wealth has essentially bought him political power.
“He [Musk] bought his way into office. He bought his way into heading a government agency, he bought his power at the expense of the American people,” said a protestor in New York.
Beyond his role in the federal government, Musk has faced criticism for controversial statements, including his appearance at a right-wing German political party event and accusations of antisemitic claims. These controversies have broadened the base of his critics and contributed to the growing “Tesla Takedown” movement, which encourages Tesla owners to divest from the company’s products and stock.
Impact on Tesla’s Business and Musk’s Fortune
The backlash against Musk has had tangible consequences for Tesla’s business operations. Car sales have reportedly declined by 45% in January compared to the previous year, reflecting both the impact of the protests and broader market challenges. Simultaneously, Musk’s personal net worth has decreased by over $100 billion due to a significant sell-off of Tesla shares.
Musk himself has responded to some of the incidents on social media, condemning the destruction of property while making claims about which groups might be responsible for the attacks. In one notable statement, he declared, “Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech!” However, he has not directly addressed the broader movement against him or the specific political grievances that protesters have raised regarding his role in government and controversial public statements.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigations
Police departments in multiple jurisdictions are actively investigating the attacks on Tesla facilities. Law enforcement officials face the challenge of determining whether these incidents represent isolated acts of vandalism or a coordinated campaign targeting Tesla facilities as has been suggested online. The geographic spread and similar tactics used in multiple attacks suggest some level of organization or inspiration from a common source. As investigations continue, Tesla has increased security measures at its facilities nationwide, while authorities warn that violent protests endanger innocent employees and customers, regardless of the political motivations behind them.
