Tesla facilities across America face an unprecedented wave of violent attacks as protestors target Elon Musk’s company amid his growing political influence and controversial federal role. The same suspect used a semi-automatic AR weapon and Molotov cocktails to attack a Tesla store in Salem, Oregon. Protests are sparked by federal workforce cuts and Musk’s position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Armed Attacks and Firebombs Target Tesla Facilities
A disturbing pattern of violence against Tesla properties has emerged across the United States. In one of the most alarming incidents, a man attacked a Tesla store in Salem, Oregon, first with Molotov cocktails and later returning with an AR-style semi-automatic weapon. Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, has been charged with “illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oregon. Police are also investigating gunshot damage at a Tesla showroom in Tigard, Oregon, where surveillance footage captured at least seven shots fired at around 1:46 a.m.
In Colorado, Lucy Grace Nelson attacked a Tesla dealership with a Molotov cocktail while spray-painting “nazi cars” on the property. These incidents represent just a fraction of the coordinated nationwide movement targeting Tesla. Authorities have documented more than a dozen violent acts directed at Tesla facilities since President Trump took office, with incidents spanning from Massachusetts to Oregon and involving arson, vandalism, and property destruction.
Elon Musk provided opportunities for free speech through https://t.co/QUNRZQLAfz. now he's speaking up for Americans that wanted change and lesser government. Unfortunately his businesses are being ravaged by cowards on the left. https://t.co/bwDPPXvJj6
— Amen Oneill (@oneil_alen) March 10, 2025
Political Protests Turn Violent
The wave of attacks appears motivated by Musk’s increasing political involvement, particularly his appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In this role, Musk has been implementing significant reductions to the federal workforce, drawing legal challenges from 20 states. His controversial statements at a far-right German political party event and accusations of supporting antisemitic claims have further inflamed tensions. The backlash extends beyond American borders, with demonstrations against Musk’s political stance reported in European cities including Lisbon, London, and Barcelona.
Peaceful protests have occurred alongside violent incidents. The one doesn’t cancel out the other. Police arrested several demonstrators at a Tesla showroom in New York City, part of the growing “Tesla Takedown” movement urging Tesla owners to sell their vehicles and stock. The movement has gained significant traction, with Tesla’s car sales plummeting 45% in January compared to the previous year, contributing to Musk’s reported net worth decline of over $100 billion due to Tesla stock selloffs.
Muliple attacks on Tesla dealerships after @elonmusk exposed NGO’s and Soros.
They couldn’t be less obvious. pic.twitter.com/nR25lAHTjs
— Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) March 10, 2025
Law Enforcement Response and Business Impact
Police departments nationwide are investigating these incidents as potentially politically motivated attacks. “While the motivation for this has not been confirmed, we are aware that other Tesla dealerships have been targeted across Oregon and the nation for political reasons,” stated Tigard police regarding the showroom shooting. Authorities are treating many of these cases as federal crimes due to their targeted nature and destructive intent.
“This is absolutely not the way to make a statement. Putting people’s lives at risk is never the way to do this,” said Tim Doran regarding the violent incidents.
Musk has responded minimally to the attacks, though he did condemn the destruction on social media, writing: “Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech!” The ongoing violence presents a significant challenge for Tesla’s business operations, public image, and market performance. With protests showing no signs of abating and Musk’s political role continuing to draw controversy, the company faces a prolonged period of uncertainty that threatens its once dominant position in the electric vehicle market.