Las Vegas police are searching for a suspect after several Tesla cars were set ablaze at a Tesla service center on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. At least five Tesla vehicles were damaged in a targeted attack, as police received reports of flames at the collision center around 2:45 a.m. local time.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), when they responded to the scene, officers found the word "RESIST" spray painted in red on the building and several cars engulfed in flames. The department's counter-terrorism detectives were called to investigate further.
Police say a person dressed in all black approached the building wielding what appeared to be a gun and multiple Molotov cocktails. During the investigation, an unused Molotov cocktail was found inside a vehicle, indicating the suspect's destructive intentions.
Law enforcement believes the individual shot at the cars at least three times in addition to using the improvised explosives to ignite the fires. FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans stated in a briefing that the incident has characteristics that may classify it as a terrorist act, though it is "too early" to make that determination definitively.
Evans remarked, "Violent acts like this are unacceptable, regardless of where they occur. It’s a federal crime. We will come after you. We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law." The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has been brought in to assist in the investigation.
This incident aligns with an uptick in attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, especially since CEO Elon Musk took on a prominent role in the Trump administration. In response to the fires, Musk posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) saying, "This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks." This statement underscores the escalating tensions surrounding Musk's business decisions and political affiliations.
Las Vegas is not the only area experiencing such violent acts. In March 2025, a Tesla dealership in Oregon suffered gunfire when a shooter fired more than a dozen rounds, causing extensive damage to its vehicles and property. This incident raised further concerns about the safety of Tesla employees and owners alike.
Additionally, in January 2025, a Cybertruck was detonated outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas by an active-duty Army Special Forces member. Matthew Alan Livelsberger, believed to have exploded the vehicle in a suicide act, left behind notes detailing political and personal grievances. However, authorities noted that he did not harbor specific animosity toward law enforcement or the president.
As investigations into these incidents continue, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges Tesla faces amidst a polarized political landscape. This violence not only reflects the tensions surrounding Musk's leadership but also raises alarm about the safety and security of individuals associated with the company.
In summary, the Las Vegas incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of political tensions spilling over into violence. As authorities continue their search for the suspect, community members remain on high alert for the potential rise in similar incidents.
