A Salem, Oregon man has been taken into federal custody following two separate attacks on a Tesla showroom that resulted in approximately $500k in damages. The 41-year-old suspect now faces federal charges for illegally possessing unregistered destructive devices—specifically Molotov cocktails used in the attacks.
Salem Police officers responded to the Tesla dealership on Mission Street at approximately 3:45 a.m. on January 20th after receiving reports of someone throwing incendiary devices at the property. Upon arrival, officers discovered fires burning on the sidewalk in front of the building and in the back of a vehicle parked on the premises. According to court documents, an eyewitness reported seeing the suspect throw five or six objects at the dealership.
The damage proved extensive—seven vehicles were damaged and one was completely destroyed in the attack. The Tesla dealership estimated total damages at around $500k.
Surveillance footage from the Tesla showroom captured the suspect first attempting to throw a Molotov cocktail at a truck, though it reportedly bounced off without igniting. The same footage shows the man pointing what appears to be an AR-15 style rifle at a witness as they drove away from the scene. Additional video evidence shows the suspect throwing a rock through one of the building’s windows.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon stated that footage from a patrol car positioned near the dealership captured a vehicle registered to the suspect. Further evidence came from the man’s fingerprints, which were identified on glass bottles recovered from the scene that had been used as explosive devices.
This attack comes amidst what appears to be increasing incidents targeting Tesla properties. Just this week, authorities in Littleton, Massachusetts launched an investigation into a suspected arson at a Tesla Supercharger station. Massachusetts incident, which occurred on March 4th at 1 a.m. on Constitution Avenue, has prompted officials to offer a $5,000 reward for information.
Tesla’s rapid response to the Massachusetts incident was notable—within approximately 48 hours, Tesla had completely replaced the damaged Supercharger cabinets and wiring that had been set ablaze.
Tesla Charging: Posts, fuses & wire replaced. Cabinets inspected. Transformer re-energized. We’re back online.
These incidents occur during a period of heightened tensions surrounding Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk. Recent protests have emerged outside Tesla stores, including one in Boston, with demonstrators specifically targeting Elon’s political positions and public advocacy.
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