In recent weeks, Tesla, the electric vehicle company led by CEO Elon Musk, has experienced a series of arson attacks targeting its facilities and vehicles across the United States. These incidents coincide with Musk's appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump's administration
Kansas City Incident
On March 17, 2025, two Tesla Cybertrucks caught fire at a dealership in Kansas City, Missouri. Authorities are investigating the incident as potential arson, but no suspects have been identified yet.
Other Incidents
Similar attacks have occurred in other parts of the country. In Dedham, Massachusetts, three Teslas were vandalized, with two Cybertrucks spray-painted and tires slashed. In Seattle, four electric vehicles caught fire under suspicious circumstances. Additionally, a Tesla dealership in Lynnwood, Washington, reported six vehicles vandalized, including a Cybertruck defaced with swastikas.
Elon Musk's Response
Elon Musk has condemned these acts as "domestic terrorism" and expressed shock over the violence. He questioned the motivations behind the attacks and suggested possible coordination by larger forces.