A Tesla dealership near Rome was engulfed in flames early Monday, destroying at least 17 vehicles and causing significant damage to the facility. Authorities have yet to identify suspects or establish a clear motive, though Italian media reports suggest investigators are exploring multiple theories, including arson, reads an RT report.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk swiftly denounced the attack, calling it an act of "terrorism" and linking it to a broader wave of violent incidents targeting his company. Initially confined to the United States, attacks on Tesla facilities and vehicles have now spread internationally.
In Germany, a Tesla dealership in Berlin was vandalized on Monday by activists from the environmentalist group Neue Generation, who spray-painted the entrance. Over the weekend, another dealership in Verden, northern Germany, saw seven Tesla vehicles set ablaze. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and have refrained from speculation.
Amid the escalating violence, the FBI has launched a task force to address the surge in attacks against Tesla in the United States. FBI Director Kash Patel warned that the acts of vandalism and arson now fall under "domestic terrorism," vowing to track down and prosecute those responsible. "The FBI has been investigating the rise in violent activity toward Tesla, and we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response," Patel wrote on X. "This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice."
Musk has become an increasingly polarizing figure, particularly due to his close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and his leadership of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a body focused on reducing federal spending. Since January, numerous Tesla-linked sites have been targeted by demonstrators. Musk has suggested the attacks could be part of a coordinated effort financed by prominent Democratic donors, including billionaire George Soros.
President Trump has also condemned the violence, calling for severe penalties against those responsible. He has even suggested sentencing offenders to up to 20 years in El Salvador's infamous mega-prison, known for housing some of the world's most dangerous criminals.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
