A Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon, was attacked early Wednesday. Gunfire broke windows at the location. This is the second attack on the store in a month. The first incident happened on January 20.
Latest incident
Police arrived at 2755 Mission St. S.E. around 5 a.m. after reports of broken windows at the Tesla store.
Angela Hedrick, a spokeswoman, said the damage was caused by gunshots.
“Officers found the damage to be from gunshots,”
Hedrick said. She added that the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
This follows an arson attack on January 20. In that incident, a car was set on fire, and a window was smashed. Police called it arson but have not named any suspects.
Feds step in
The FBI is helping Salem Police investigate both attacks. Hedrick did not explain why the FBI is involved. She said it’s standard for the FBI to assist local agencies with their expertise or tools when needed.
When asked if the attack was political, Hedrick said the investigation is still in its early stages.
“The incident was reported less than six hours ago. Detectives are still on the scene gathering evidence,”
she said.
Musk’s role
Tesla has faced criticism nationwide due to CEO Elon Musk’s support for former U.S. President Donald Trump and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Some political critics have called for Musk’s deportation, arrest, and a boycott of his products.
Tesla owner Sharon Monsivais told KATU2 News she finds the situation unfortunate.
“It’s very unfortunate that we live in times like this. I know Elon Musk is controversial. I bought this car knowing that. I don’t agree with everything he does, and I don’t like him, but I wanted an environmentally friendly car. Shooting up a dealership sends the wrong message,”
she said.
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