Tesla facilities across the United States face escalating violence as anti-Musk protests turn destructive, with attackers firing guns, throwing Molotov cocktails, and vandalizing showrooms in response to Elon Musk’s expanding political role.
Key Takeaways
- A dangerous escalation in anti-Tesla protests has occurred, with incidents including AR-style semi-automatic rifle attacks, Molotov cocktails, and extensive vandalism at multiple dealerships nationwide.
- The wave of attacks appears motivated by opposition to Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his controversial political statements.
- More than a dozen violent acts have targeted Tesla locations since Trump’s inauguration, including significant incidents in Oregon, Colorado, and New York.
- Tesla sales have plummeted 45% in January compared to the previous year as the company faces both violent attacks and organized “Tesla Takedown” protests urging owners to sell their vehicles.
- Law enforcement agencies across multiple states are investigating these politically-motivated attacks while Musk has responded only by condemning vandalism, saying it “is not free speech.”
Tesla Dealerships Under Siege
The wave of violence against Tesla facilities has reached alarming levels with incidents reported in multiple states. In Salem, Oregon, 41-year-old Adam Matthew Lansky was charged with attacking a Tesla location with both an AR-style semi-automatic rifle and Molotov cocktails. In Colorado, a woman identified as Lucy Grace Nelson assaulted a Tesla dealership with Molotov cocktails while spray-painting “nazi cars” on the property. The New York protest scene turned confrontational when demonstrators occupied a Tesla showroom, resulting in multiple arrests by the NYPD. These incidents represent just a fraction of the more than dozen violent acts directed at Tesla facilities since President Trump’s inauguration.
Political Motivations Behind the Violence
The surge in anti-Tesla violence directly correlates with Elon Musk’s increasing political profile and his appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Under this role, Musk has been involved in reducing the federal workforce, leading to layoffs and subsequent lawsuits against the Trump administration by 20 states. Protesters have explicitly connected their actions to Musk’s political influence, with one demonstrator stating, “He 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.”
Musk has further inflamed tensions through controversial appearances, including at a right-wing German political party event, and accusations of supporting antisemitic claims. His limited response to the violence has been confined to a social media post stating: “Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech!”
Protests Erupt In NYC at the Tesla dealership pic.twitter.com/Y0t55pxKrU
— Real Life Footage (@RealLifeFootage) March 9, 2025
Economic Impact on Tesla
The political backlash has created significant financial consequences for both Tesla and Musk personally. Tesla car sales have plummeted, showing a dramatic 45% drop in January compared to the previous year. This decline coincides with the emergence of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, a protest urging Tesla owners to sell their vehicles and company stock. Musk’s personal fortune has also taken a substantial hit, with his net worth reportedly decreasing by over $100 billion due to a sell-off of Tesla shares.
The protests have expanded internationally, with demonstrations against Musk’s political stance occurring in major European cities including Lisbon, London, and Barcelona. As Tesla’s market position weakens, industry analysts question whether the company can recover from the dual challenges of declining consumer confidence and direct attacks on its infrastructure.
Law Enforcement Response
Police departments across multiple states are actively investigating the attacks on Tesla facilities. The coordinated nature of some attacks has raised concerns about organized opposition to Musk’s political role, though investigations remain ongoing to determine whether these incidents represent isolated acts or a more structured movement.
