FBI investigating Tesla vandalism
Investigators look over the scene at a Tesla collision centre after an individual used incendiary devices to set several vehicles on fire on Tuesday, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty
The FBI said it is investigating “a number” of incidents where Tesla charging stations and dealerships have been damaged, including fires in Las Vegas and Kansas City, Missouri.
Incidents have occurred in several states and the FBI is coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to gather information, the agency said on Tuesday.
Just a week ago, US president Donald Trump suggested he would designate acts of violence against the EV maker as domestic terrorism.
Republican lawmakers have also called for congress to investigate the incidents and assist the FBI and justice department to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted.
Las Vegas police said at least five Tesla vehicles were damaged at a showroom and service centre, including two that were set ablaze.
Both a firearm and crude explosive device were believed to have been used, and the word “Resist” was spray-painted on the front of the showroom, officials said at a joint press conference with the FBI and local fire department.
A separate incident involving multiple Cybertrucks that caught fire in Kansas City is also being investigated for possible arson.
The vandalism follows growing backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration.
This includes a March 9 incident where Cybertrucks in Seattle caught fire, which a fire department investigator said was most likely set by a handheld flame, according to records seen by Bloomberg.
A decentralised movement called Tesla Takedown has been encouraging protests at the automaker’s showrooms around the country, urging people to not buy the vehicles and to sell their stock in the company.
A representative of the movement has said it opposes violence and destruction of property.
