Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has expressed deep frustration and surprise over the rising incidents of vandalism and arson targeting his company’s vehicles, showrooms, and office buildings across the United States. The unrest has manifested in disturbing ways, notably a recent attack where multiple Tesla cars were set ablaze in Las Vegas.
In a worrying trend, reports indicate that this is not an isolated incident. Instead, acts of vandalism, including the burning of two Tesla Cybertrucks in Kansas and the destruction of other vehicles by protesters in Seattle, have become increasingly common. Musk reacted to the Las Vegas incident on March 20, 2025, posting on social media platform X, “They’ve committed serious crimes.” This attack involved a person setting five Tesla vehicles on fire and firing multiple gunshots at a Tesla facility, marking it as a targeted assault.
The motivations behind these troubling acts seem to stem from discontent with Musk andhis policies, particularly those associated with his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In Seattle, a man boldly purchased an old Tesla specifically to destroy it as a protest against Musk’s leadership and decisions. His actions represent a fraction of a larger wave of animosity toward the billionaire entrepreneur.
Kevin O’Leary, a prominent Canadian businessman and TV personality, voiced his strong disapproval of the attacks during a CNN segment. “When you set a car on fire, you should go to jail. You’re a criminal… You’re going to spend five to 20 years in prison,” O’Leary asserted emphatically. His comments reflect a growing consensus that such actions should not be taken lightly.
Adding further gravity to the situation, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi assured that the government’s law enforcement agencies would aggressively pursue individuals assaulting Tesla vehicles and facilities, and she emphasized that funding these acts would also have severe repercussions. “If you’re gonna touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out ’cause we’re coming after you and if you are funding this, we’re coming after you,” Bondi stated, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to the ongoing violence.
At the root of this turmoil may be Musk’s polarizing influence in politics. Recently, former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman labeled Musk a “Nazi” and a “thief” during an appearance on CNN, criticizing his management style and questioning public trust in him. In response to these incendiary remarks, Musk announced via X, “I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound,” clearly indicating his intent to take legal action against Bowman for defamation.
Some commentators believe that Bowman’s comments and the subsequent backlash have escalated tensions further, resulting in the violent expressions against Musk and Tesla. Scott Jennings, a commentator, remarked that violent attacks on Tesla reflect domestic terrorism, reiterating sentiments shared by President Trump. Notably, Trump himself voiced support for Musk by purchasing a Tesla Model S, where he labeled the violence as unacceptable.
The ongoing vandalism against Tesla’s properties and vehicles has also prompted Musk to implement new security measures. Tesla is ramping up security across its showrooms and utilizing Sentry Mode on all vehicles to capture acts of vandalism on camera. This initiative was seen in action recently at a Tesla facility in Las Vegas, where police were visibly present to deter further incidents.
As the climate of tension and unrest seems only to grow, Musk remains steadfast, asserting that Tesla has done nothing to deserve this treatment. “This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks,” he expressed in a post that encapsulates the bewilderment many feel over the hostility directed towards his company.
Looking ahead, it appears that Musk and his management team at Tesla are considering additional measures to combat these attacks and protect their assets and personnel. As individuals involved in these crimes face legal consequences, the debate continues over the nature of this unrest and its implications for Tesla and its future.
The tensions surrounding Tesla highlight broader societal issues related to corporate leadership, political attitudes, and public behavior. As Musk navigates the choppy waters of public scrutiny and potential legal battles, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will evolve in the coming months. However, one thing is clear: the fight to protect Tesla is immediate and ongoing, as vandalism and opposition seem to rise uncontrollably.
