Gary Zhou 
Key Takeaways
- Suspect Arrested – A 41-year-old Salem man was arrested for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla store, causing an estimated $500,000 in damages.
- Federal Charges – The suspect faces a federal charge for illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device. Seven vehicles were damaged, and one was completely destroyed.
- Incident Details – The attack occurred at 3:45 a.m. on January 20, with multiple fires reported at the scene. Witnesses observed the suspect throwing five or six incendiary devices.
- Caught on Camera – Surveillance footage captured the suspect’s actions, including throwing Molotov cocktails, aiming an AR-15-style rifle at a witness, and breaking a store window with a rock.
- Investigation & Arrest – The suspect was identified through surveillance video, fingerprints on glass bottles, and a vehicle registered in his name. A patrol car’s camera also placed him near the scene.
- Rising Tesla Vandalism – The attack is part of a broader trend of Tesla-related vandalism, possibly linked to Elon Musk’s political involvement. The same Tesla store was also targeted by gunfire a month prior.
A 41-year-old Salem man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla store on January 20, causing approximately $500,000 in damages. Court documents indicate the suspect now faces a federal charge of illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device. The attack resulted in significant property damage, with seven vehicles affected and one completely destroyed.
Fires Erupt at Tesla Store
At 3:45 a.m. on January 20, Salem Police responded to reports of Molotov cocktails being hurled at the Tesla store. Officers arriving at the scene discovered multiple fires—one on the sidewalk and another engulfing a parked vehicle. An eyewitness reported that the suspect threw five or six incendiary objects during the attack, according to the Statesman Journal.
Suspect Caught on Camera
Surveillance footage captured the man tossing a “Molotov Cocktail-style device” at a truck, which failed to ignite upon impact. He was also seen aiming an AR-15-style rifle at a witness attempting to flee the scene. The suspect then threw a rock through the Tesla store’s window before leaving the area.
Investigators connected the man to the crime through surveillance video, fingerprints found on glass bottles at the scene, and a vehicle registered in his name. A patrol car’s dashcam also spotted the suspect’s vehicle near the Tesla store around the time of the attack, further tying him to the incident.
Tesla Vandalism Trend
The Salem incident is part of a larger pattern of attacks against Tesla stores across the U.S. and internationally. CEO Elon Musk’s increasing political involvement, particularly his ties with former President Donald Trump, has led to growing tensions among critics. Interestingly, the same Tesla store in Salem was targeted just a month earlier when gunfire shattered its windows.
The recent attack underscores the rising hostility towards Tesla and the challenges the company faces beyond the business landscape. As authorities pursue legal action, the case adds to the ongoing conversation about corporate vandalism and politically motivated attacks.
