Tesla Under Siege

Why These Attacks Are Acts of Domestic Terrorism

By Russ Walker
@RWalkerFW

Since January 20, 2025, Tesla owners, dealerships, and properties have increasingly become targets of violence, arson, vandalism, and direct physical attacks. These incidents—ranging from firebombings and vehicle destruction to gunfire at service centers and assaults on Tesla owners—are not isolated crimes. Rather, they form part of a coordinated and escalating campaign of terrorism designed to instill fear, harm Tesla’s business operations, and undermine its market presence.

Terrorism, by definition, involves the use of violence or intimidation to achieve political, ideological, or economic goals. The attacks on Tesla reflect all these characteristics. Many of these incidents are linked to anti-capitalist groups and activists who oppose Elon Musk’s political stances and Tesla’s corporate influence (New York Post, 2025). Vandals have scrawled politically charged graffiti, including swastikas, and some organizations have even praised the destruction of Tesla vehicles as a form of resistance against perceived corporate overreach.

Ironically, these protesters are using Nazi imagery to express their opposition to Tesla and Musk—a strategy that echoes the actions of actual Nazis in 1930s Germany (History Channel 2025). It’s worth noting that the majority of Tesla owners are self-identified liberals who purchased their vehicles long before Musk became politically associated with President Donald Trump or took leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

However, these attacks did not emerge in a vacuum. Democratic lawmakers have played a significant role in fostering an environment of hostility toward Musk, Tesla, and its customers. Prominent figures on the left have repeatedly demonized Musk, attacking his business ventures and labeling Tesla owners as symbols of privilege or right-wing ideology (Reuters, 2025). By framing these protests as acts of social justice, some politicians have indirectly encouraged violent actions. When lawmakers provide rhetorical cover for criminal behavior, they embolden extremists who view Tesla as a legitimate target for their aggression.

Here are five notable, inflammatory statements made by Democratic lawmakers that have contributed to this climate of hostility:

1. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.): At a rally outside the Treasury Department, Pressley referred to Musk as a "Nazi nepo baby" and a "godless, lawless billionaire." She further stated, "We will see you in the court, in Congress, in the streets" (Fox News, 2025).¹

2. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.): Warren accused Musk of "seizing the power that belongs to the American people," declaring, "We are here to fight back" (The Financial Horizons, 2025).²

3. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas): Crockett told a crowd, "We are gonna be in your face, we are gonna be on your asses, and we are going to make sure you understand what democracy looks like, and this ain’t it" (The Financial Horizons, 2025).³

4. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.): McIver expressed strong opposition to Musk's initiatives, stating, "God dammit, shut down the Senate! WE ARE AT WAR!" (Fox News, 2025).⁴

5. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas): In a video supporting the "Tesla Takedown" movement, Crockett suggested that Elon Musk should be "taken down." While she later insisted her remarks were nonviolent, they still fueled the rhetoric of hostility (The US Sun, 2025).⁵

These statements exemplify the type of inflammatory rhetoric that emboldens extremists. Since January 20, 2025, there have been numerous arson attacks targeting Tesla dealerships across the country:⁶

• Salem, Oregon (January 20): A vehicle was set on fire at a Tesla dealership on Mission Street Southeast. Authorities are investigating this incident as arson (KPTV, 2025).⁷

• Loveland, Colorado: Several incidents of vandalism and attempted arson occurred at a Tesla dealership on North Lincoln Avenue between January 29 and February 7. A successful arson attack on February 24 led to the arrest of 40-year-old Lucy Grace Nelson (KTVZ, 2025).⁸⁹¹⁰

• Kansas City, Missouri (March 17): Two Tesla Cybertrucks were set ablaze at a dealership on State Line Road (KTVZ, 2025).¹¹

• Las Vegas, Nevada: Five Tesla vehicles were set on fire and shot at in what police are investigating as a "targeted attack" at a local repair center (Fox News, 2025).¹²

These incidents form part of a broader pattern of vandalism and arson targeting Tesla properties across at least nine states. The FBI has issued warnings and is assisting local law enforcement in investigating these acts, which are being treated as potential acts of domestic terrorism (CBS News, 2025).¹³

The "Tesla Takedown" movement has been identified as the primary organizer behind these protests, with over 200 Tesla locations worldwide being affected in recent weeks. The frequency and scale of these coordinated attacks underscore the well-funded and organized nature of the operation. The purpose is clear: to generate fear, disrupt Tesla’s operations, and harm its reputation.

Firebombings and targeted arson do more than just cause financial damage. They create an environment of insecurity for employees, customers, and investors. When Tesla employees face threats to their safety, and potential customers hesitate to make purchases due to concerns over security, the company’s sales are depressed, investments are deterred, and its ability to function effectively is compromised. The "Tesla Takedown" movement’s growing influence—evidenced by organized protests at over 200 locations—is a troubling development.

If these acts of terrorism go unchecked, they could set a dangerous precedent in which businesses and individuals are targeted by ideological extremists. The FBI’s involvement in investigating these attacks as domestic terrorism is an essential step in addressing the situation (Fox News, 2025). By labeling these incidents as terrorism, authorities can allocate the necessary resources to prevent further escalation and hold the perpetrators accountable under anti-terrorism laws.

In conclusion, the ongoing firebombings, arson, and violence against Tesla, its owners, and Elon Musk represent more than just isolated criminal acts—they are deliberate and coordinated efforts to instill fear, damage a prominent American corporation, and push a political agenda through violent means. The role of Democratic lawmakers in perpetuating this climate of hostility and justifying these attacks must not be overlooked. Recognizing these actions as terrorism is critical in ensuring the safety of businesses and individuals and upholding the rule of law.

Russ Walker is a Senior Strategist at September Group LLC; the views expressed in this op-ed are his own and do not reflect those of Breaking Battlegrounds' staff.

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References:

• Fox News. (2025). Tesla owners and dealerships targeted by violent attacks.

• New York Post. (2025). Anti-capitalist activists behind Tesla arson.

• History Channel. (2025). Nazi imagery used in modern-day protests.

• Reuters. (2025). Tesla under attack: Political attacks on Musk and his company escalate.

• Business Insider. (2025). Tesla responds to arson incidents and market insecurity.

• CBS News. (2025). FBI investigates growing threat to Tesla locations nationwide.

• The US Sun. (2025). Rep. Crockett comments on Tesla Takedown movement.

1. https://1010wcsi.com/fox-politics/losing-their-minds-dem-lawmakers-face-backlash-for-invoking-unhinged-violent-rhetoric-against-musk/

2. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/losing-minds-dem-lawmakers-face-backlash-invoking-unhinged-violent-rhetoric-against-musk

3. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/arson-vandalism-northern-colorado-tesla-dealership

4. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/losing-minds-dem-lawmakers-face-backlash-invoking-unhinged-violent-rhetoric-against-musk

5. https://www.the-sun.com/news/13865946/jasmine-crockett-tesla-pam-bondi-assault-video

6. https://www.foxnews.com/us/tesla-vehicles-dealerships-targeted-arson-gunfire-vandalism-least-9-states-fbi

7. https://ktvz.com/news/crime-courts/2025/01/20/fire-at-salem-tesla-dealership-sparks-arson-investigation

8. https://northfortynews.com/category/news/string-of-arson-and-vandalism-attacks-target-loveland-tesla-dealership

9. https://www.kktv.com/2025/02/08/police-colorado-tesla-dealership-vandalized-third-attack-two-weeks

10. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/arson-vandalism-northern-colorado-tesla-dealership

11. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/kansas-city/news/2025/03/18/fire-arson-tesla-kcfd

12. https://www.foxnews.com/us/tesla-vehicles-dealerships-targeted-arson-gunfire-vandalism-least-9-states-fbi

13. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/fbi-creates-task-force-investigate-tesla-threats/