Tesla facilities across the United States face a wave of violent attacks as public anger builds over Elon Musk’s political involvement and federal workforce cuts.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla dealerships nationwide have been targeted with Molotov cocktails, gunfire, and vandalism in protests against Musk’s political role under President Trump.
- A grassroots “Tesla Takedown” movement has emerged, urging Tesla owners to sell their vehicles and stock, coinciding with a 45% drop in Tesla sales in January.
- Attacks include an AR-style semi-automatic shooting in Oregon, Molotov cocktail incidents in multiple states, and Nazi symbolism graffiti at dealerships.
- Protests appear connected to Musk’s role heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and controversial federal workforce reductions.
- While Musk hasn’t directly addressed the protest movement, he has condemned vandalism, stating “Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech!”
Escalating Violence Against Tesla Facilities
More than a dozen violent acts have been directed at Tesla facilities since former President Trump’s inauguration, creating serious security concerns for the electric vehicle manufacturer. In Salem, Oregon, 41-year-old Adam Matthew Lansky was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla location and later returned with an AR-style semi-automatic weapon. In Colorado, a woman attacked a Tesla dealership with a Molotov cocktail, leaving graffiti that referred to the vehicles as “nazi cars.”
The vandalism has not been limited to these incidents. Tesla facilities across multiple states have reported damage from Molotov cocktails, graffiti, and arson targeting vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations. In Maryland, a Tesla dealership was defaced with swastika graffiti. The attacks appear to be spreading, with law enforcement agencies across the country investigating similar incidents at Tesla locations.
Protests Erupt In NYC at the Tesla dealership pic.twitter.com/Y0t55pxKrU
— Real Life Footage (@RealLifeFootage) March 9, 2025
Political Backlash Against Musk’s Government Role
The attacks appear motivated by Elon Musk’s political activities and his role in the current administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has been involved in reducing the federal workforce, leading to layoffs of numerous federal workers and subsequent lawsuits against the administration by 20 states. This political role, along with Musk’s controversial statements at a right-wing German political party event, has fueled discontent among critics who view his government position as inappropriately acquired.
“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.
The protests have not been limited to the United States. International demonstrations against Musk’s political stance have occurred in Lisbon, London, and Barcelona, indicating global concern over his political influence. In New York, police arrested several demonstrators at a Tesla showroom during a protest action, part of growing tensions between Musk’s supporters and critics.
The “Tesla Takedown” Movement and Business Impact
The violent incidents appear connected to a broader movement dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” which urges Tesla owners to sell their vehicles and stock. This campaign targets Tesla showrooms, dealerships, charging stations, and specifically the company’s Cybertruck. The impact on Tesla’s business has been significant, with car sales reportedly dropping 45% in January compared to the previous year. Additionally, Musk’s net worth has decreased by over $100 billion due to a sell-off of Tesla shares, suggesting that the political controversy surrounding him is affecting investor confidence.
Business leaders and analysts have expressed concern about the potential long-term damage to Tesla’s operations and Musk’s other ventures. While many protests have been peaceful, the escalating violence has raised alarm about public safety and property damage.
Musk’s Response and Future Outlook
While Musk has not directly addressed the protest movement, he has condemned the vandalism on social media, stating, “Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech!” On his social media platforms, Musk has claimed certain groups are responsible for the attacks, though these claims reportedly lack concrete evidence.
As law enforcement continues investigating these incidents, the situation highlights growing tensions around corporate leadership in political spaces and highlights the difference between legitimate protest and criminal activity. For Tesla, navigating these challenges while maintaining business operations presents a significant test of organizational resilience.
