Second Shooting Rocks Oregon Tesla Dealership, Investigation Widens
Just a week after a brazen act of vandalism targeted a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, the business has been struck again by gunfire. Local police have confirmed a second shooting incident at the same location, intensifying an investigation that now involves federal authorities. The Tigard Police Department announced the latest incident occurred early Thursday morning, following the initial attack on March 6th.
The repeated targeting of the dealership has raised concerns about the motivation behind the violence and whether it is connected to a broader pattern of attacks against Tesla properties across the country. While authorities remain uncertain about the specific reasons for the shootings, they acknowledge the possibility of politically motivated vandalism targeting Tesla, particularly in light of Elon Musk’s increasingly visible role in government and his association with former President Donald Trump.
According to police reports, the second shooting occurred around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday. The assailant unleashed a barrage of gunfire, firing more than a dozen rounds at the dealership. The shots caused significant damage to multiple vehicles parked on the lot and further damaged the already boarded-up windows of the showroom. Fortunately, a security guard was present at the time of the shooting but was unharmed.
The Tigard Police Department is working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate the incidents. Law enforcement is meticulously collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the area surrounding the dealership to identify the perpetrator or perpetrators. The ATF also deployed an explosive detection K-9 unit to the scene to search for any remaining shell casings or other potential evidence.
The initial shooting on March 6th occurred at approximately 1:46 a.m. Detectives determined that at least seven shots were fired during that incident, resulting in damage to three vehicles, a wall, and a computer monitor inside the dealership. Similar to the latest event, no one was present during the first shooting, preventing any injuries.
Police are urging anyone with information about either shooting to come forward. They are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious near the Tigard Tesla dealership to contact the Tigard Police Department at 503-718-TIPS or email [email protected].
The attacks in Tigard come amid a backdrop of increased scrutiny and controversy surrounding Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. Since former President Trump’s reelection, Musk has taken on an unofficial role as the head of the "Department of Government Efficiency," or DOGE. This involvement in government, coupled with his outspoken political views, has made him a target for criticism and protest.
Reports indicate that under the Trump-Musk leadership, a significant number of federal employees have either taken buyouts or been terminated. News outlets have reported that approximately 100,000 of the country’s 2.3 million federal workers have left or been fired since Musk joined the administration. Musk’s methods, including mass emails to federal workers demanding detailed reports on their weekly activities, have drawn criticism and raised concerns about government overreach.
The incidents in Tigard are not isolated events. Across the nation, Tesla dealerships have been targeted by vandalism and fires. In Salem, Oregon, a 41-year-old man named Adam Matthew Lansky has been charged in connection with two separate incidents at a Tesla dealership. Lansky faces charges of illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device.
According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon, the first incident involving Lansky occurred on January 20th. Police responded to reports of someone throwing Molotov cocktails at the Salem Tesla dealership. Then, on February 19th, officers received calls about an individual shooting into the same building and a vehicle. Surveillance footage linked Lansky to both incidents, leading to his arrest on March 4th.
The unrest surrounding Tesla also coincides with a recent decline in the company’s stock value. Since December, Tesla’s stock has dropped by 50%. Amidst these challenges, former President Trump has voiced his support for Musk, condemning the acts of vandalism against Tesla owners and dealerships. He has even suggested considering those committing violent acts against Tesla owners as "domestic terrorists."
"I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people," Trump stated, referring to Musk. "And I just want people to know that he can’t be penalized for being a patriot. And he’s a great patriot."
Musk’s increasing involvement in government has sparked protests and demonstrations across the country. In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, protesters gathered at a Tesla showroom as part of a nationwide "Tesla Takedown" event. Protesters like Diane Kolifrath have expressed concerns that Musk is undermining American democracy. "There are far more of us that want to preserve the democracy than those who want to put us under," she stated. "We are committed to advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and economic equality."
The escalating incidents of vandalism and violence targeting Tesla dealerships, coupled with the political tensions surrounding Elon Musk, create a complex and volatile situation. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these crimes, but the motivation behind the attacks remains unclear. As the investigation continues, the authorities hope to determine the cause of these incidents and bring those responsible to justice. In the meantime, the Tesla community and the broader public remain on edge, watching as this troubling story unfolds.
The Tigard Police Department encourages anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
