Tesla under attack: rising violence targets Musk’s company

The growing controversy surrounding Elon Musk has taken a violent turn, with Tesla storefronts, charging stations, and vehicles becoming frequent targets of arson, vandalism, and even gunfire. A series of attacks across the United States has alarmed law enforcement and raised concerns about the electric carmaker’s future amid mounting public backlash.

Escalating attacks on Tesla

In Loveland, Colorado, a woman allegedly firebombed a Tesla dealership using molotov cocktails, spray-painted anti-Musk messages, and defaced the building with slurs. In Salem, Oregon, a gunman fired at a Tesla storefront after previously throwing firebombs at the same location, causing an estimated $500,000 in damages. Other incidents include Tesla superchargers being set on fire in Massachusetts and anti-Musk graffiti in Maryland.

Law enforcement officials are investigating these acts as arson and vandalism, warning that the attacks could escalate further. "Whether it is politically motivated or not, arson and destruction of property is not the way to get your point across," said Matthew Pinard, police chief of Littleton, Massachusetts, where several Tesla chargers were torched.

Public backlash and brand impact

The violence comes at a time when Tesla is already struggling. The company’s stock has dropped by more than 35% since the beginning of the year, and sales have plummeted, particularly in Germany, where they fell by 76% in February. Many former Tesla owners have voiced concerns about the brand’s association with Musk’s controversial political stance, which has shifted dramatically in recent years.

Ross Gerber, a longtime Tesla investor, warns that the ongoing attacks could deter potential customers. "It may create a chilling effect where people don’t want to associate with Tesla or deal with the risk of vandalism," he said.

Musk’s political influence fuels tensions

Musk’s growing political influence has polarized public opinion, particularly as he aligns himself with former President Donald Trump and far-right political figures. Critics argue that his support for controversial policies and inflammatory rhetoric have contributed to Tesla’s declining public perception.

Despite this, some analysts believe that Tesla could benefit in the long run. Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, stated that Musk’s relationship with Trump could lead to favorable regulations on autonomous driving, which he sees as key to Tesla’s future growth. "Some of these distraction issues will fade," Ives noted.

A growing concern for law enforcement

As the wave of attacks continues, police worry that the next incident could turn deadly. Authorities stress that political disagreements should not lead to criminal acts, urging the public to express their concerns through legal channels instead.

"Whether you like Musk or not, this is not the way to do it," said Paul Campbell, deputy superintendent of the Brookline Police Department. "Violence and destruction only put more people at risk."

With Tesla already facing significant business challenges, the company now has an additional battle to fight—one that plays out not in boardrooms, but in the streets.

(Sources: AFP, Washington Post, AP)