What Happened
Several Tesla cars were deliberately set on fire at a Las Vegas service center early Tuesday morning. Police got a call around 2:45 a.m. about the incident at the Tesla Collision Center on Badura Avenue, near Jones Boulevard and the 215 Beltway.
The same night, a similar incident occurred in Kansas City, where two Cybertrucks caught fire at a dealership. Both cases appear to be arson – meaning someone started the fires on purpose.
According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police,:
“LVMPD Communications received information that an individual had set several vehicles on fire in the parking lot and caused damage to the property.”
Breaking: Police Release New Details
Tuesday afternoon, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police released new information confirming this was a targeted political attack. According to their statement, witnesses reported seeing “a suspect in black clothing setting multiple vehicles on fire.” When officers arrived, they found the word “RESIST” spray-painted on the front of the business.
The attack was more sophisticated and dangerous than initially reported. At least five Tesla vehicles were damaged, according to police.
LMVPD confirmed the suspect used “Molotov cocktails and a firearm to conduct the attack” with evidence suggesting “at least three rounds were fired into vehicles.” An unexploded Molotov cocktail has been recovered from the scene.
“Make no mistake: this is a federal crime. Acts like these will not be tolerated,” the police statement declared.
NEW VIDEO: LVMPD Investigating Arson & Vandalism at Tesla Facility
At approximately 2:45 AM, LVMPD received multiple 911 calls reporting vehicles on fire at a Tesla collision and sales center near the 6200 block of Badura. Witnesses reported seeing a suspect in black clothing… pic.twitter.com/GDIuMhsfjg
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) March 18, 2025
Musk Responds to Attacks
Following news of the attacks, Elon Musk shared a message on X Tuesday morning expressing his dismay:
“This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”
His statement highlights the growing concern among Tesla leadership about what appears to be politically motivated targeting of the company’s facilities across the country.
The White House Showcase
These attacks came just days after President Trump hosted Tesla CEO Elon Musk at a special event on the White House South Lawn.
During a showcase last Tuesday, Trump turned the area into what some have called a “Tesla showroom,” inspecting five Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, which he called “the coolest design.”
The President publicly announced his plan to purchase a red Model S for himself, saying, “I want the same color,” while pointing to the vehicle that sells for over $73,000. Trump made it clear he was buying the car “as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American.”
During the event, which was livestreamed on X (formerly Twitter), Trump specifically addressed the recent wave of Tesla vandalism, saying, “They’re harming a great American company,” and adding that Musk “shouldn’t be penalized because he’s a patriot.”
Why This Matters to Conservatives
The timing of these attacks appears directly connected to Musk’s growing political influence with the Trump administration. Musk spent over a quarter-billion dollars supporting Trump’s campaign last year and now leads the Department of Government Efficiency, working to cut wasteful spending.
These attacks represent more than just property damage – they’re attempts to intimidate a business leader for his political views. For conservatives who value free speech and the right to support candidates without fear of reprisal, these incidents are deeply troubling.
Growing Pattern of Concern
This isn’t the first time Tesla properties have been hit. Similar vandalism happened recently in Oregon and Washington state. Some of these incidents came after protests at Tesla dealerships.
Some protesters are angry about Elon Musk’s support for limited government ideas and his recent work with President Trump. Last week, Trump and Musk appeared together at the White House in a show of support for American manufacturing.
Law Enforcement Response
Local police in Las Vegas are investigating the fires. The FBI has also sent personnel to help at the scene, though they haven’t said much about why they’re involved.
Sandy Breault, a spokesperson for the Las Vegas FBI field office, said in an email, “We do not have any further comment at this time.”
Clark County Fire Department officials are working to determine exactly how the fires were set and how much damage was done.
What Happens Next
The targeting of Tesla facilities represents a concerning trend where political disagreements are escalating into property destruction. While Democrats like Senator Chris Murphy have criticized the White House event as “corruption,” conservatives see these attacks as part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation against those who support the President.
If such politically motivated violence continues, it could have serious implications for business leaders’ willingness to engage in political speech. It also raises questions about the security of American businesses when they become targets based on their leaders’ political affiliations.
Remember that in a free society, people should be able to support the political candidates of their choice without facing violence or property destruction.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
