Tesla facilities nationwide face violent attacks and protests as Elon Musk’s controversial political role draws backlash, posing significant threats to the company’s sales and stability.
Quick Takes
- A wave of violent incidents targeting Tesla facilities has occurred across the US, including Molotov cocktail attacks, gunfire, and vandalism.
- The “Tesla Takedown” movement urges owners to sell their vehicles and stock in protest of Musk’s political activities.
- Musk’s role in Trump’s administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has fueled protests.
- Tesla car sales have dropped 45% in January compared to the previous year as public backlash intensifies.
- Police have made several arrests in connection with attacks on Tesla dealerships in multiple states.
Escalating Violence Against Tesla Facilities
Tesla dealerships and showrooms across America have become targets of increasingly violent attacks as opposition to Elon Musk’s political involvement grows. In Oregon, a 41-year-old man named Adam Matthew Lansky was charged with throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla location and later attacking the same facility with an AR-style semi-automatic weapon. Similar incidents have occurred in Colorado, where a woman attacked a dealership with a Molotov cocktail while leaving graffiti labeling the vehicles as “nazi cars.”
The attacks appear to be part of a broader movement targeting Tesla facilities nationwide. More than a dozen violent acts have been directed at Tesla locations since Trump’s inauguration, including arson targeting vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations. In Maryland, a dealership was vandalized with swastika graffiti, while protestors in Massachusetts caused significant property damage. Law enforcement agencies across multiple states are investigating these incidents, many of which appear to be politically motivated responses to Musk’s government role and public statements.
Protests Erupt In NYC at the Tesla dealership pic.twitter.com/Y0t55pxKrU
— Real Life Footage (@RealLifeFootage) March 9, 2025
The “Tesla Takedown” Movement
Alongside violent incidents, a movement called “Tesla Takedown” has emerged, organizing protests at Tesla showrooms across the country. In New York City, demonstrators occupied a Tesla showroom, resulting in multiple arrests by NYPD officers. The movement encourages Tesla owners to sell their vehicles and divest from Tesla stock in protest of Musk’s political activities. While many protests have remained peaceful, the escalating violence has raised concerns about public safety and the movement’s direction.
“He [Musk] 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,” said a protestor in New York.
The demonstrations aren’t limited to American soil. International protests against Musk have occurred in Lisbon, London, and Barcelona, reflecting global concern about his political influence. The movement appears to be gaining momentum as more incidents are reported weekly. Musk himself has responded to the protests on social media but has provided little substantive comment beyond condemning property destruction.
Musk’s Political Role and Economic Impact
At the heart of the controversy is Musk’s appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration. In this role, Musk has been involved in reducing the federal workforce, leading to layoffs of federal employees and subsequent lawsuits against the administration by 20 states. His political statements have also drawn fire, particularly after his appearance at a right-wing German political party event and accusations that he has supported antisemitic claims on social media platforms.
The economic consequences for Tesla have been significant. The company has experienced a 45% drop in car sales in January compared to the previous year. Musk’s personal wealth has also taken a hit, with his net worth reportedly dropping by over $100 billion due to a sell-off of Tesla shares. Industry analysts suggest the company’s market stability is now directly linked to public perception of Musk’s political activities, creating a challenging business environment for the electric vehicle manufacturer.
