Gunfire erupted again at a Tesla dealership in the Portland suburb of Tigard, Oregon, early Thursday morning, marking the second such incident at this location in just a week. Around 4:15 a.m., over a dozen shots were reported by the Tigard Police Department, leading to extensive damage of both cars and showroom windows, though thankfully no injuries were reported. Authorities continue to work in collaboration with federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, to conduct a comprehensive investigation. An ATF explosive detection dog has been employed in both cases to locate shell casings.
This incident is part of a broader wave of protests and acts of vandalism targeting Tesla facilities nationwide since Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, became closely associated with the present administration. Opposition has been aimed at Musk’s leadership over the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which aims to streamline and reduce the size of the federal government.
Earlier in the week, an incident involving the defacement of Tesla vehicles was reported at a dealership in Lynnwood, a Seattle suburb. Six Tesla Cybertrucks were spray-painted with swastikas and profane messages directed at Musk. In Seattle, four Cybertrucks were set ablaze on Sunday; however, investigators have yet to confirm whether the fire was a result of arson. Local authorities are working with federal agencies to investigate the occurrence further.
Amidst these challenges, President Donald Trump announced his support for Musk by expressing plans to purchase a new Tesla vehicle. This gesture comes at a time when the company faces declining sales and decreasing stock prices. Musk’s ventures and decisions remain under intense scrutiny as these incidents of protest and vandalism continue to unfold.
