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An arsonist lobbed Molotov cocktails at a row of Tesla EVs in Las Vegas. The accelerant-fed fire spread quickly, involving at least five of the electric vehicles in a “targeted attack against a Tesla facility.” While the fire didn’t cause any injuries, authorities are branding the brazen attack an act of terrorism.

Las Vegas police say the arsonist set fire to the Tesla EVs, fired multiple gunshots, and painted ‘resist’ on the dealer

An arsonist attacked a Tesla collision center with fire-spreading Molotov cocktails and gunfire on Tuesday. The devices set fire to multiple EVs parked in the lot near the center’s front entrance. According to the Las Vegas Police Department, the fires damaged at least five vehicles, with two fully involved car fires on the property. The rows of vehicles were primarily Model 3 and Model Y EVs, the brand’s most popular offerings. 

Alarmingly, the authorities say the attack exhibited “some of the hallmarks of terrorism,” per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Video showing the arsonist’s attack showcased a black-clad attacker launching the Molotov cocktails at the row of Teslas. However, the attacker didn’t stop there. They reportedly fired three gunshots at the burning electric vehicles. To cap the event off, the arsonist scribbled “resist” on the front entrance of the service center with spray paint. 

Now, a Molotov cocktail is nasty business. Its nastiness is matched only by its simplicity: cloth wick, glass container, and flammable liquid. Unfortunately, the incendiary devices spread flames quickly, as they did in the Las Vegas attack. With the Tesla EVs parked so closely, the fire could have caused at least $200,000 worth of damage, based on the value of the vehicles.

The nature of the attack has authorities labeling the attack an act of terrorism rather than vandalism or aimless destruction. “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement following the fire.

The narrative follows the words of President Donald Trump, a close ally of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Trump has since labeled attacks on Tesla “domestic political terrorism,” threatening to bring severe consequences against attackers targeting Tesla interests.

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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, an admitted petrolhead, and an avid motorcyclist. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis. Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.