Tesla CEO Elon Musk has termed a fire at a Tesla store in Rome an act of “terrorism” following the destruction of over 17 cars in the blaze. The blaze, which occurred about 4:30 a.m. on Monday, has initiated an investigation by Digos, Italy’s special police force, into whether the attack was carried out by anarchist groups, as per Reuters. Though the vehicles were badly damaged, there were no reported injuries.
Musk responded to the incident on X (then Twitter) with just the words “terrorism” in reply to reports of damage at the dealership.
Italy’s Deputy PM denounces the assault
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini denounced the act, showing his solidarity with Musk and Tesla workers. “Too much unjustified hatred against the Tesla car company. The season of hate and conflict must end as soon as possible. My solidarity goes out to Elon Musk and to all the workers who have been threatened and attacked,” Salvini declared.
Wave of Tesla Vandalism in Europe and the US
The Rome attack is a part of an overall pattern of vandalism against Tesla cars in the United States and Europe. Ever since Musk was appointed to the Trump administration to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Tesla cars have been becoming increasingly hostile to.
Tesla shops in Stockholm and Malmö, Sweden, were vandalized on Monday as well, with cars spray-painted and destroyed. Four people were arrested by Swedish police in connection with the attacks.
In the U.S., meanwhile, large-scale protests broke out in front of Tesla dealerships in several states, including Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Minnesota. Protesters brandished placards with such slogans as “Burn a Tesla, Save Democracy,” “De-Musk America,” and “Don’t Buy Nazi Cars.”
Seven Tesla vehicles were allegedly torched in the northwestern part of Germany, reportedly in retaliation for Musk’s support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Mounting Hostilities Over Musk’s Politics
Musk’s foray into politics has given rise to increasingly vociferous opposition to Tesla, with oppositionists accusing the billionaire of collaborating with controversial actors and policies. The latest set of attacks hints that the reaction against Tesla extends beyond the sphere of online disparagement and is increasingly taking root in the form of real-life actions.
Governments around Europe and in the U.S. are conducting investigations into the incidents, even as Musk and his allies call for a halt to politically instigated violence towards Tesla.
