Tesla attack in Las Vegas ‘certainly has some of the hallmarks’ of terrorism, FBI official says

Multiple Tesla Vehicles Set Ablaze in Las Vegas as FBI Investigates Possible Terrorism

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a Tesla service center in Las Vegas became the scene of a disturbing incident when multiple vehicles were set on fire, prompting a federal investigation. The FBI has not ruled out the possibility of terrorism, adding a layer of gravity to the situation. According to officials, five vehicles were damaged in total, with two of them engulfed in flames. The incident has sparked widespread concern and condemnation, with authorities working to determine the motives behind the attack.

FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans addressed the media on Tuesday, stating that the incident "certainly has some of the hallmarks" of a terrorist attack but emphasized that it was still too early to confirm. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken over the investigation, signaling the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating the matter. Evans issued a stern warning to potential perpetrators, stating, "Violent acts like this are unacceptable regardless of where they occur. And specifically, to those who might think that something like this is justifiable or potentially even admirable, we want to let you know that it’s a federal crime. We will come after you, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."

The attack has drawn sharp reactions from high-profile figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who labeled the incident as "insane and deeply wrong." Musk later retweeted several posts, referring to the incident as "terrorism," though the FBI has yet to officially classify it as such. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo also condemned the attack, describing it as "despicable" and vowing that those responsible would face the full force of the law. The incident has raised questions about potential political motivations, given Musk’s ties to the Trump administration, though Evans declined to confirm whether this was a leading theory for investigators.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren provided additional details about the attack, revealing that the suspect was captured on camera wearing all-black clothing. Koren explained that the suspect used what appeared to be Molotov cocktails and a firearm to carry out the attack. Police found an unignited Molotov cocktail at the scene, along with evidence that the suspect fired at least three rounds into different Tesla vehicles. Koren emphasized that the incident was currently believed to be isolated, with no immediate threat to public safety. However, authorities are not ruling out the possibility of multiple individuals being involved.

The attack occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. PDT, when police received multiple calls about fires at the Tesla service center. Upon arrival, firefighters managed to contain the flames to two vehicles, preventing the fires from reaching the battery compartments. The quick response of the fire department likely prevented further damage and potential hazards. Meanwhile, Assistant Fire Chief Jennifer Wyatt commended the firefighters for their swift action, noting that the situation could have been much worse if the batteries had been compromised.

The Las Vegas incident is not an isolated one. In Kansas City, Missouri, federal authorities are also investigating anincident involving two damaged Tesla Cybertrucks. A police officer reportedly spotted smoke coming from one of the vehicles and attempted to extinguish the fire before the Kansas City Fire Department arrived to contain the blaze. Additionally, a Tesla dealership in San Diego was vandalized with antisemitic symbols and profanity, according to local reports. Surveillance video has been obtained, and an investigation is ongoing. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Tesla vehicles and the motivations behind such attacks.

As authorities work to identify the perpetrators and determine the motives, the Tesla service center attack in Las Vegas serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of violence and vandalism. While officials are cautious not to jump to conclusions about the investigation, the involvement of federal agencies underscores the seriousness of the situation. Musk and other leaders have made it clear that such acts will not be tolerated, and law enforcement has pledged to bring those responsible to justice.

In the wake of these events, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and preventing similar incidents in the future. The Las Vegas police have reassured the public that operations will not be dictated by "criminals or potential bad actors," emphasizing their commitment to maintaining order. As the investigations continue, the hope is that the perpetrators will be apprehended, and the motivations behind these acts will be brought to light. Until then, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of tolerance, respect, and the rule of law.