
Elon Musk sounds off as he faces escalating threats and Tesla facilities become targets of coordinated attacks he believes are linked to his government waste-cutting efforts.
Quick Takes
- FBI investigating Tesla attacks as potential terrorism after Las Vegas incident where suspect used Molotov cocktails and a firearm.
- Elon Musk attributes violence to his work cutting government waste through the Department of Government Efficiency.
- Multiple Tesla locations targeted nationwide, including antisemitic vandalism in San Diego.
- Musk claims he faces death threats and suggests “larger forces” may be funding and coordinating attacks.
- Federal authorities investigating separate incidents in Kansas City where Cybertrucks were damaged by fire.
FBI Investigating Las Vegas Tesla Attack as Potential Terrorism
The FBI has launched an investigation into what it describes as a potential terrorist attack on a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas. A suspect, dressed in all black, set several Tesla vehicles ablaze using Molotov cocktails and evidence indicates a firearm was also used. Five vehicles were damaged in the attack, with two completely engulfed in flames. The fires were contained before reaching the battery compartments, which could have created a more hazardous situation. Law enforcement responded to calls about the fires at approximately 2:45 a.m. PDT and are investigating whether multiple suspects may have been involved.
FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans stated the incident “certainly has some of the hallmarks” of terrorism, though he cautioned it was too early to make a definitive determination. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo condemned the attack as “despicable” and promised full prosecution under the law. Federal authorities are treating the incident with the utmost seriousness, with investigators collecting evidence including an unignited Molotov cocktail found at the scene. Officials believe this was an isolated incident and have stated there is no further threat to public safety at this time.
Musk Attributes Attacks to Government Waste-Cutting Efforts
Elon Musk has expressed shock at what he describes as coordinated attacks on Tesla facilities across the country. He directly attributes these incidents to his work with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he claims to have identified $2 trillion in potential government spending cuts. The Tesla CEO has been vocal about his belief that these attacks represent pushback from those benefiting from government waste and fraud, suggesting the violence stems from his efforts to shrink the size and scope of federal spending.
Musk has speculated about organized forces behind the attacks, questioning who might be funding and coordinating what appears to be a nationwide effort. President Trump has demonstrated support for Musk by showcasing Tesla vehicles at the White House and condemning the attacks. The scale of the incidents has led Musk to believe they represent more than just random acts of violence, but rather a coordinated response to his government efficiency initiatives.
Pattern of Tesla Targeting Emerges Nationwide
Federal authorities are investigating what appears to be a pattern of attacks against Tesla facilities across the United States. In addition to the Las Vegas incident, authorities are examining a separate case in Kansas City where two Tesla Cybertrucks were damaged by fire. A Tesla dealership in San Diego was also targeted, with perpetrators spray-painting antisemitic symbols and profanity on both the building and vehicles. These incidents have occurred in close succession, raising concerns about coordinated anti-Tesla activities.
Musk has also criticized a website called Dogequest for allegedly publishing personal information of Tesla owners, calling this action “extreme domestic terrorism.” The Tesla CEO claims he now faces assassination threats due to his government waste-cutting initiatives.
🚨 Elon Musk just SLAMMED the Democrats for violently attacking Tesla
"I always thought that Democrats were supposed to be the party of empathy and caring, and yet they are burning down cars, firebombing dealerships…"
"There is some kind of mental illness going on because… pic.twitter.com/rzW84MXVQH
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 19, 2025
Musk Balances Concern with Optimism for Future
Despite the troubling pattern of attacks and threats, Musk continues to highlight positive developments in his various enterprises. He recently celebrated the safe return of NASA astronauts via a SpaceX capsule, emphasizing human achievement and maintaining optimism for the future.
The controversy highlights the increasingly polarized political environment surrounding business leaders who take on government advisory roles. Musk described the attacks as “insane and deeply wrong” and has expressed bewilderment at the intense negative reaction to his government efficiency work. As investigations continue into the various incidents targeting Tesla facilities, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant about the potential for additional attacks while working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the current wave of violence.
Sources:
- Tesla attack in Las Vegas ‘certainly has some of the hallmarks’ of terrorism, FBI official says
- Elon Musk shocked over nationwide Tesla vandalism as DOGE uncovers government waste: ‘Some kind of mental illness’
- Musk says ‘some kind of mental illness’ behind death threats, Tesla vandalism