Rudolph Angler For the second time this month, a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, has been struck by gunfire, as authorities investigate the motives behind increasing attacks on Tesla locations across the U.S. Early Thursday morning, a shooter fired over a dozen rounds, damaging vehicles and windows at the dealership. Local police are collaborating with the FBI and the ATF to find the shooter, as such incidents become more frequent, potentially fueled by political tensions surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s role in government.
Gunfire Strikes Tesla Dealership Again in Tigard, Oregon
On Thursday, March 14, at approximately 4:15 a.m., a Tesla dealership in Tigard was again the target of gunfire, marking the second such incident this month. Police say the shooter fired more than a dozen rounds, causing significant damage to several vehicles and breaking the windows of the showroom, which had been boarded up following an earlier attack. A security guard who was on-site at the time managed to escape unharmed.
This incident follows a similar shooting at the same dealership on March 6, when the shooter fired at around 1:46 a.m., damaging three cars and leaving bullet holes in the building. A computer monitor was also shattered during the attack. No injuries were reported during the previous incident either, as no employees were present.
Investigation Underway: Authorities Involve FBI and ATF
Local authorities are working closely with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to investigate the motive behind the attacks. Surveillance footage from the dealership is being reviewed, and an ATF detection K-9 has been deployed to locate shell casings at the scene. While no suspects have been identified yet, investigators believe the incidents could be part of a growing trend of attacks on Tesla locations across Oregon and the broader U.S.
Tesla dealerships have increasingly become targets for vandalism, gun violence, and arson attacks, raising concerns that political motivations may be driving these crimes.
Rising Threats: Tesla Dealerships Across U.S. Under Attack
This recent incident is not isolated. Nationwide, Tesla locations have faced growing threats and attacks. In Salem, Oregon, 41-year-old Adam Matthew Lansky was arrested in early March after he allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership on January 20 and fired shots at the same location on February 19. Surveillance footage helped authorities link Lansky to both incidents, leading to his arrest on March 4. Lansky is now facing multiple charges, including possession of an unregistered destructive device.
These attacks coincide with heightened political tensions surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk, particularly following his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under former President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk’s oversight has led to the layoffs or buyouts of approximately 100,000 federal employees, fueling widespread controversy. In February, Musk also sparked backlash with an email directive requiring federal workers to submit bullet-pointed reports of their weekly activities.
Political Protests Against Tesla and Elon Musk
The political unrest surrounding Musk’s role in government has also spurred protests against Tesla dealerships. In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, activists organized a “Tesla Takedown” rally to protest Musk’s leadership in DOGE and his policies. Diane Kolifrath, an activist involved in the rally, told The Portsmouth Herald, “We stand for social justice, environmental protection, and economic equality. There are more of us fighting for democracy than those trying to destroy it.”
The protests coincide with significant criticism of Musk’s political affiliations, particularly after he aligned himself with Trump’s administration. Tesla dealerships have become focal points for these protests, drawing attention to growing dissatisfaction with Musk’s actions and leadership decisions.
Tesla’s Financial Struggles Amid Political Backlash
In addition to the rising threats against Tesla locations, the company’s stock has taken a significant hit, losing 50% of its value since December. Tesla’s financial struggles, combined with the political unrest surrounding Musk’s actions, have added fuel to the fire for those opposing the company.
Despite the growing backlash, former President Trump has publicly defended Musk, calling him a “great patriot.” Trump has suggested that individuals targeting Tesla dealerships could be classified as “domestic terrorists” due to the nature of their attacks.
A Dangerous Trend for Tesla Dealerships
The recent gunfire attacks on Tesla dealerships in Tigard, Oregon, highlight a troubling rise in violent incidents targeting the company’s locations. Authorities are investigating the motives behind these attacks, which appear to be linked to political tensions surrounding Elon Musk’s controversial leadership roles. With more incidents surfacing nationwide, the growing risk to Tesla employees and customers raises concerns about safety and security at these locations. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on law enforcement’s efforts to resolve these attacks and prevent further violence.