Elon Musk has expressed his shock over recent attacks on Tesla vehicles, calling the vandalism “deranged.” This response came after a violent incident at a Tesla collision center in Las Vegas, where multiple cars were set on fire and shot at early Tuesday morning.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported that officers arrived at the scene around 2:45 a.m. to find several vehicles ablaze. The word “resist” was spray-painted on the building, and evidence indicated that the suspect used Molotov cocktails and a firearm during the attack. At least five cars were damaged, with two completely engulfed in flames. An unexploded Molotov cocktail was also found at the site.
FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans stated that the incident has “some of the hallmarks” of a terrorist act, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force is involved in the investigation. However, he emphasized that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.
Musk, during an interview with Fox News, condemned the violence, expressing disbelief at the level of hatred directed at his company. He criticized the attacks, suggesting that they were not in line with the values he associates with the political left, which he believes should prioritize empathy and care.
He also raised questions about who might be funding and coordinating these attacks, although there is currently no evidence of widespread organization behind the vandalism.
This incident is part of a troubling trend for Tesla. Just days before the Las Vegas attack, two Cybertrucks were set on fire at a dealership in Kansas City. Police had to call the fire department to manage the blaze. Additionally, similar incidents have occurred in Berlin and Oregon, where vehicles were damaged and shots were fired at Tesla dealerships.
The Las Vegas police have increased patrols around Tesla locations as a precaution. They have made clear that violent acts against any business, including Tesla, are unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Musk’s comments and the ongoing investigations highlight a growing concern over safety and security for Tesla as it faces not only vandalism but also protests and public scrutiny.