Tesla store under attack, arson and gunshots, FBI gets involved again

A Tesla store in Oregon was attacked with arson and gunshots on two separate occasions. The FBI got involved, which is the second time federal law enforcement intervened in incidents at Tesla stores.

Earlier this month, we reported on a ramp-up in incidents of vandalism at Tesla stores around the world with the goal of protesting Elon Musk.

We reported on a particular incident in Colorado where a Tesla store was vandalized, and arson was attempted at the premises. Interestingly, despite not being a federal crime, the FBI got involved.

Now, we hear of another severe vandalism example at a Tesla store, and again, the FBI is getting involved.

This time, it happened in Salem, Oregon.

Tesla’s store in Salem was the victim of vandalism last month when windows were broken and a car set on fire. Yesterday, the store was attacked again, and this time, shots were fired at the store.

It was early in the morning, and no one was there, but windows were broken again.

Salem police were there all morning on Wednesday to investigate the situation, and the FBI was also helping them.

The local news asked the police why the FBI was involved:

She declined to specify why the FBI was helping investigate the shooting. “The FBI’s standard practice is to assist local agencies with their expertise or tools, for example, if it can benefit an investigation,” she said.

The police couldn’t say if the two incidents at the Tesla store over the last month were politically motivated.

In addition to the vandalism attacks at Tesla stores, peaceful protests have also targeted the automaker’s retail and service locations.

Electrek’s Take

It’s absolutely insane to see this happening. Just a few years ago, Tesla was an adored brand hated by only a few petrolheads resisting the electric transition and those who bought into fossil fuel propaganda.

Now, it is despised to the point that some people are willing to commit crimes to show their hatred for the brand.

Obviously, this is not good. People should be arrested for shooting guns at stores, but it is a symptom of a bigger problem with Tesla’s brand: it is too closely attached to Elon Musk who is seen by many people as doing a takeover of the US government.

This vandalism is likely going to be nothing compared to the drop in sales Tesla is going to see this quarter. That’s on top of many people selling their Tesla vehicles resulting in lower resale value in the used market.

But Tesla’s board and shareholders are not doing anything because the stock is still up as they continue to believe the self-driving dream is about to become reality.