For the second time this month, a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, has been targeted by gunfire, raising concerns about rising threats to Tesla locations across the country. The latest shooting, which occurred on Thursday morning, left multiple vehicles damaged and showroom windows shattered. Authorities are investigating the motives behind these attacks, which seem to be linked to ongoing political unrest. Tesla dealerships, including those in Oregon, have faced growing instances of vandalism and violence, with federal agencies now involved in the investigation.
Second Shooting Raises Alarm
The most recent incident occurred early Thursday at 4:15 a.m., when an unknown assailant fired over a dozen shots at the Tesla dealership in Tigard. The gunfire caused significant damage, including to several vehicles and the already boarded-up showroom windows. Despite a security guard being present at the time, no injuries were reported.
This incident follows a previous shooting at the same location on March 6, which also occurred in the early morning hours. That attack resulted in three damaged vehicles, bullet holes in the dealership’s walls, and a broken computer monitor. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied at the time, so no injuries occurred.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), are currently reviewing surveillance footage and collecting evidence. An ATF detection K-9 was also deployed to help locate any remaining shell casings. While no suspect has been identified yet, investigators believe that these attacks may be linked to rising political tensions.
Political Climate Fuels Rising Threats
Tesla dealerships have increasingly become targets for violent acts, including vandalism and arson, in several states across the U.S. One of the most notable incidents involved a 41-year-old man from Salem, Oregon. Adam Matthew Lansky was arrested earlier this month for two attacks on Tesla showrooms. According to prosecutors, Lansky threw Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership on January 20 and later fired shots at the same location on February 19. Surveillance footage led to Lansky’s arrest on March 4, and he now faces charges for possessing an unregistered destructive device.
The rising threats coincide with increasing political backlash against Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. Since Musk became involved in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump’s reelection, Tesla’s showrooms have become focal points for protests. Musk has faced criticism for his role in the administration, particularly after overseeing mass layoffs of federal employees, including a controversial email sent in February urging them to summarize their job duties in five bullet points.
Protests and Backlash Against Musk
As a result of Musk’s involvement in government policies, protests against Tesla dealerships have intensified. Activists have organized rallies across the country, including in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where the “Tesla Takedown” rally aimed to oppose Musk’s influence on public policy. Diane Kolifrath, one of the activists, spoke out at the rally, saying, “There are more of us fighting to protect democracy than those trying to undermine it. We stand for social justice, environmental protection, and economic equality.”
In addition to the rising threats to Tesla dealerships, the company has seen a significant dip in stock value, with shares plummeting by 50% since December. Despite these challenges, President Trump has repeatedly defended Musk, calling him a “great patriot.” Trump has also suggested that those responsible for the attacks on Tesla locations could be labeled as “domestic terrorists.”
Ongoing Investigations and Security Measures
In response to the rising threats, Tesla has increased security at its showrooms across the country, including hiring more security personnel and enhancing surveillance systems. The Tigard Police Department, along with federal agencies, is working diligently to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
While the motives behind the attacks remain unclear, the increasing frequency of violent incidents at Tesla dealerships points to a growing trend that may be rooted in political opposition to the company and its leadership. As investigators continue to analyze the situation, Tesla and law enforcement officials are taking steps to ensure the safety of both employees and customers.
The second shooting at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, underscores the rising security concerns for Tesla locations across the U.S. With political tensions and public criticism of CEO Elon Musk escalating, the company is facing a new wave of violence and protest. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to uncover the motives behind these attacks and ensure the safety of Tesla employees and customers.
