Update: Looks like those Cybertruck fires in Seattle were “most likely” arson, according to investigators. We counted 9 initially, but it’s actually 10, based on recently emerging evidence.
We’re only 18 days into March 2025, and already we’ve seen 9 instances of Tesla dealerships, Supercharger stations, or parked vehicles torched or shot in a wave of vandalism worldwide. That’s including 2 arson attacks over the last 24 hours, in Las Vegas and Kansas City.
The surge of arson and vandalism comes amid rising public anger toward Tesla and Elon Musk. As Musk’s political involvement and rhetoric become more divisive, Tesla dealerships seem to be a physical proxy for that rage, targeted with vandalism, gunfire, and incendiary devices.
We’ve mapped the incidents of arson and gunfire in the United State and across Europe, here are the maps. The details of each incident will follow:
Map of March 2025 Tesla Arsons or Shootings in the United States
Link to the American map for easier zooming.
Map of March 2025 Tesla Arsons in Europe
Link to the European map for easier zooming.
Details on the Wave of Tesla Arson and Gunfire Attacks
As you can see in the maps, the attacks are widespread in the USA and worldwide, with no particular geographic hotspots.
Here’s the details of the major attacks of alleged arson or gunfire against Tesla vehicles and properties so far this month:
Images courtesy of the Department of Justice and the Littleton Fire Department
Toulouse, France on March 2:
- A dozen Teslas burned at a dealership.
- Arson suspected as the perimeter fence had been cut.
- Sources: La Depeche via Google Translate
Loveland, CO on March 7:
- A months-long string of Tesla vandalism with two alleged culprits escalated into repeated arson.
- Graffiti included “NAZI CARS” and profanities aimed at Musk.
- Source: Denver Post
Charleston, SC on March 7:
- Tesla Supercharger vandalized with spray-painted messages, including “Long Live Ukraine” and vulgar messages targeting President Donald Trump.
- One suspect threw numerous Molotov cocktails.
- Source: Department of Justice
Littleton, MA on March 10:
- Tesla Supercharger station set on fire.
- Local firefighters extinguished the blaze before it spread, with the local Fire Chief suspecting foul play.
- Source: CBS Boston
Tigard, OR on March 13:
- Repeated gunfire attacks against a Tesla dealership, with two shooting incidents in 7 days.
- No injuries, but multiple vehicles were hit.
- Source: KGW
Berlin, Germany on March 14:
- Several Tesla vehicles torched on the street in arson attacks.
- Authorities “cannot rule out” a possible political motive.
- Source: ABC
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM on March 16:
- Near Albuquerque, Cybertrucks were spray-painted with swastikas.
- One vehicle ignited.
- Source: Rio Rancho Observer
Las Vegas, NV on March 18:
- Multiple Tesla vehicles torched at a service center.
- Molotov cocktails and firearms used to start the fires.
- The word “RESIST” was spray-painted on the building.
- Source: Newsweek
Kansas City, MO on March 18:
- Cybertrucks specifically targeted in an arson attack.
- FBI, ATF, and local authorities investigating.
- Source: KMBC
The Context: Escalating Violence Against Teslas
With 9 major incidents in March alone, we are seeing an escalating trend of anti-Tesla vandalism.
Despite the mounting violence, Musk appears to be holding his course. He claims to be the victim of ideological persecution by leftists, declaring himself a “threat to the woke mind parasite and the humans it controls.”
I doubt that is going to lower the temperature in the room or at Tesla dealerships worldwide…
Speaking of the billionaire who “has never physically hurt anyone…”
Reputable outlets like the BBC have documented how Musk’s inflammatory tweets often spark waves of threats and violence. Musk frequently singles out individuals like local activists or government employees by name as being part of conspiracies, typically without evidence.
Having been personally targeted with threats by Tesla fans over my own reporting, I can confirm that the danger feels real enough. It’s hard to imagine Musk hasn’t been informed of the actions that his words are inspiring.
As Elon Musk’s political influence is on the rise, so is the backlash. We’ll see where this goes, there is still plenty of March left to go.
