FBI Investigates Wave of Violent Tesla^® Attacks as Possible Domestic Terrorism

A series of attacks on Tesla^® facilities and vehicles across the United States is now under investigation by federal authorities as possible acts of domestic terrorism. The latest incident occurred in Las Vegas on March 18, 2025, when several Tesla vehicles were shot at and set on fire at a collision repair center.

Las Vegas Facility Targeted With Firebombs and Gunfire

The attack happened around 2:45 a.m. at the Tesla Collision Center on Badura Avenue in Las Vegas. Surveillance video captured a person dressed in black firing gunshots and throwing Molotov cocktails at the vehicles. Two cars were fully engulfed in flames, and an unexploded Molotov cocktail was found inside a third vehicle.

The attacker also spray-painted the word "Resist" on the front doors of the building. Clark County firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it reached the cars' batteries. No injuries were reported.

"This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility," Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said during a news conference, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We do believe that it is isolated at this time."

FBI and DOJ Respond to the Las Vegas Attack

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation into the Las Vegas incident.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans said the incident had "some of the hallmarks" of terrorism and possibly a "political agenda," according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He added, "Violent acts like this are unacceptable, regardless of where they occur. It's a federal crime. We will come after you. We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi also responded, calling the Tesla-related attacks "nothing short of domestic terrorism," as reported by CNN. "We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes," she said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Tesla Facilities Targeted Nationwide

This was not the first attack on Tesla property. On March 3, 2025, seven Tesla charging stations were set on fire outside a mall near Boston. A few days later on March 7, 2025, a man was arrested for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla charging station in North Charleston, South Carolina.

The Justice Department said in a news release, "The man then pulled out five incendiary explosive devices, commonly known (as) Molotov cocktails, and threw them at the Tesla chargers, damaging the chargers," as reported by CNN.

In that case, the suspect reportedly spray-painted "Long Live Ukraine" and an expletive against former President Trump in red paint across the parking lot, according to CNN.

Other recent incidents include the destruction of four Cybertrucks in a Seattle fire on March 9, 2025; two separate shootings at a Tesla dealership in Oregon; and fire damage to Cybertrucks in Kansas City on March 17, 2025. Vandalism and arrests have also been reported at Tesla showrooms in Colorado and New York, as well.

Leaders Condemn Attacks as Politically Motivated

Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to the Las Vegas attack after a video of the burning cars was shared by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, stating on X, "This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks," as reported by CNN.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo replied to Musk's post, writing, "This type of politically-motivated violence is despicable — and those responsible will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada also posted a statement on X. Per the Las Vegas Review-Journal, she said, "Let me be clear: these actions are unacceptable, and I condemn them fully."

Motive Remains Unclear, but Investigators Are Taking It Seriously

While no group has claimed responsibility, some officials believe the attacks may be politically motivated. Tesla CEO Elon Musk currently leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal agency created to cut spending. The role has sparked controversy, as it has led to layoffs and closures in several federal departments.

During an appearance on Fox Business, Bondi issued a warning to anyone planning or funding attacks. According to CNN, she said, "If you're going to touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out because we're coming after you. And if you're funding this, we're coming after you."

Tesla Faces Trouble Beyond Vandalism

While no injuries have been reported so far, the attacks add to Tesla's mounting business challenges. The company is experiencing a drop in sales for the first time in its history. Tesla's market share has slipped in the United States, China, and Europe, where electric vehicle competition is growing rapidly.

As the FBI and DOJ continue their investigations, officials say further arrests and federal charges may be coming soon.

References: FBI investigating Tesla vehicles shot and set on fire at facility in Las Vegas | Teslas set on fire with Molotov cocktails, Las Vegas police say — VIDEO