In Tigard, Oregon, a Tesla dealership was targeted by gunfire on Thursday morning, marking the second occurrence of such an incident within a week. This event is part of a broader pattern of protest and vandalism that has surfaced across the United States following Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration.
The incident took place at approximately 4:15 a.m., with multiple shots being fired around the dealership situated in a suburb of Portland. The Tigard Police Department reported significant damage to the vehicles and windows in the showroom, although, fortunately, there were no injuries.
A parallel incident occurred on March 6 at the same location, prompting local authorities to collaborate with federal agencies like the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for a detailed investigation. Assistance from an ATF explosive detection dog has been instrumental in examining the scene for shell casings following both events.
Tesla has increasingly become a focal point for protests and acts of vandalism domestically and internationally, spurred by discontent with Musk’s new role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to reduce the size of the federal government.
Recently, six Tesla Cybertrucks were defaced at a dealership in Lynnwood, near Seattle, as reported by KING-TV. The vehicles were spray-painted with offensive symbols and language targeting Musk. Moreover, an incident on Sunday saw four Cybertrucks set ablaze in Seattle, though investigators have yet to determine whether it was a deliberate act of arson. The Seattle Police Department has joined forces with federal partners to delve deeper into these incidents.
In a show of support for Elon Musk amidst these challenges, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to purchase a new Tesla vehicle. The company faces difficulties with declining sales and falling stock prices, adding to the tumultuous environment surrounding Tesla at this time.
