Arsonists have targeted two Tesla facilities this week, setting fire to charging stations in Massachusetts and a dealership in France, as protests against CEO Elon Musk’s role in slashing thousands of federal jobs through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) escalate.
The arson attack in Toulouse, France on Sunday saw a dozen Tesla vehicles set alight, with eight completely destroyed and four more badly damaged.
Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the incident, with local officials confirming that the attack was "not at all accidental."
Shortly after, in Littleton, Massachusetts, seven Tesla charging stations were set on fire on Monday.
The fires caused significant damage to nearby vehicles, and investigators believe the incidents were "intentionally set." Local authorities confirmed that the stations had been engulfed in flames, with dark smoke visible as power was shut down to prevent further fires.
These attacks come amid growing public backlash against Musk, who is steering DOGE, a department responsible for cutting thousands of government jobs under President Donald Trump.
Tesla stock has fallen 26% since Musk’s controversial actions, including a public incident where he appeared to make a Nazi salute at an inauguration event.
Protests against Musk have intensified, with demonstrations outside Tesla dealerships across the United States.
In an unusual move, some Tesla owners, including singer Sheryl Crow, have sold their electric vehicles in protest, distancing themselves from the company’s leadership.
The investigations into these arson attacks are ongoing, with authorities searching for those responsible for the violent actions linked to growing discontent over Musk’s policies.
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