Beginning in early 2025, there has been an increased number of incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla property, including vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations. The incidents have been part of a larger wave of protests against Elon Musk, Tesla's owner and a key figure of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The majority of incidents have occurred in the United States, but they have also been reported in Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Attorney General Pam Bondi have labeled the vandalism as domestic terrorism and President Donald Trump suggested the perpetrators be sent to prison in El Salvador. Although Musk has suggested that the vandalism is funded and coordinated, the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives said they could not find any evidence that attacks have been coordinated.
Incidents
United States
Midwest
A woman was arrested for spray-painting a Tesla dealership in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.[1] A Tesla owner in Wichita, Kansas, reported a man keying her vehicle outside a restaurant.[2] Several Cybertrucks were set on fire at a dealership in Kansas City, Missouri.[3] In Bloomington, Minnesota, a woman was filmed keying a Tesla in a parking lot. Authorities decided not to move forward with criminal charges after the woman turned herself in and agreed to pay for damages.[4]
Response
Government officials
In a Truth Social post, President Trump suggested people who vandalized Teslas should be sent to prisons in El Salvador,[60] the same country where the United States had recently sent hundreds of migrants.[61] Trump also claimed, without evidence, that "people that are very highly political on the left" were paying the vandals.[62]
Attorney General Pam Bondi described Tesla vandalism as "nothing short of domestic terrorism" and vowed to "impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes".[63]
Elon Musk said those vandalizing cars should "stop being psycho" and called Tesla a "peaceful company".
References
- Barbara Vitello. 'Stay away': Judge orders accused Tesla vandal to keep off company's property Daily Herald, March 19, 2025, retrieved March 23, 2025^
- Lily O'Brien. Family speaks out after Tesla vandalized at Wichita restaurant KAKE, March 22, 2025, retrieved March 23, 2025^
- Kendrick Calfee. Fire burns Tesla Cybertrucks at Kansas City dealership. Police say it may have been arson