Las Vegas police and the FBI are investigating a fire involving several vehicles at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas.
The fire was reported Tuesday around 2:45 a.m. During a news conference, Assistant Sheriff Dorie Koren said police learned of the fire after receiving several 911 calls.
“One caller said they heard gunshots and that there was a subject wearing black clothing and setting multiple vehicles on fire,” he said.
Police said the suspect can be seen in a video released during the news conference. Five vehicles were damaged.
“He used what appeared to be multiple Molotov cocktails and firearms to conduct his attack, Koren said. “At least five Tesla vehicles were damaged, including the two that were engulfed in flames.”
The word “resist” was spray-painted on the Tesla center’s front doors. Police said an un-ignited Molotov cocktail was found in one of the cars.
There were two posts on Elon Musk’s X account. One referred to the fire as “terrorism.”
“This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong,” the second post read. “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”
“There certainly nationwide has been an uptick in folks who feel empowered to commit acts of violence, in this case against Tesla facilities and vehicles and their owners for some political reason, it might be their bias,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans, with the FBI Las Vegas office.
Other cases of targeted attacks have been reported in California, Kansas, Seattle and other cities involving Tesla vehicles or dealerships.
Koren said there will be increased police presence around any Tesla facilities in Las Vegas. Police and the FBI urged anyone with video of the fire or the suspect to call (702) 828-7777.
