Firebomb Attacks on Tesla: Domestic Terror Probe
FBI scrutinizing Tesla facilities in Las Vegas after incidents involving arson and gunfire
Recently, Tesla facilities and vehicles have fallen victim to a destructive series of incidents across the US. These attacks involve arson, vandalism, and shootings, causing law enforcement to investigate them as potential acts of homegrown terrorism.
- The Latest Incident: In Las Vegas, a mystery figure in black clothing shot and set several Tesla vehicles on fire at a repair facility, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The FBI is now investigating it as a possible act of terrorism.
- Other Destructive Acts:
- In Kansas City, Missouri, two Tesla Cybertrucks were set on fire[1].
- In Tigard, Oregon, a Tesla dealership experienced gunfire numerous times[2].
- In Dedham, Massachusetts, Teslas were vandalized with graffiti and had their tires slashed[2].
- Law Enforcement and FBI Response:
- The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is engaged in probing these incidents, with Attorney General Pam Bondi characterizing them as "nothing short of domestic terrorism"[1][2].
- Some politicians have urged the FBI to delve deeper, insinuating that certain political figures might be inciting this violence[3].
Financial Struggles Amid Chaos
These ongoing protests and destructive incidents have left a lasting mark on Tesla's image and finances:
- Dropping Stock Prices: Tesla’s stock has plummeted approximately 48% this year, in part due to the negative media attention surrounding Elon Musk's White House role and the subsequent protests[1].
- Brand Aberration: The violence has led to a distraction for the company, obscuring its brand image and potential dissuading some customers[1].
- Executive Concerns: Four high-ranking Tesla officers have divested themselves of over $100 million in stock, indicating internal apprehensions about the company's current circumstances[1].
All told, the mix of political tension and violent disturbances has created a difficult landscape for Tesla, both in terms of its public standing and financial stability.
[1] - CNN's Auzinea Bacon and Chris Isidore contributed to this reporting.[2] - Enrichment Data: details about past incidents[3] - Enrichment Data: political involvement.
- According to Reuters, the recent investigations by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force into potential acts of homegrown terrorism against Tesla facilities and vehicles in the US have uncovered indications of Molotov cocktails being used in some of the incidents.
- The ongoing series of destructive acts against Tesla, including the latest case in Las Vegas where unexploded Molotov cocktails were found at a repair facility, has escalated concerns among the US public, with some speculating that these attacks could potentially involve domestic terrorism directed specifically against Tesla and its employees.
- Despite the challenging circumstances faced by Tesla, including the financial struggles caused by the drops in its stock prices and the negative impact on its brand image due to the series of devastating incidents, the company's leadership appears undeterred, with US-based Tesla employees reportedly collaborating to develop new strategies to improve security measures and protect the company from further potential acts of violence.
