Incendiary devices found at Tesla dealership amid protests
- Austin police discovered incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership in a response to a report of hazardous materials.
- The devices were confirmed to be incendiary and were taken into custody without any incidents.
- Authorities are investigating a series of violent protests linked to tensions surrounding Elon Musk and his governmental role.
In the United States, specifically in Austin, Texas, authorities reported a serious incident involving the discovery of incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership on March 23, 2025. The Austin Police Department was alerted to the situation shortly after 8 a.m. when officers responded to a call regarding suspicious items at the dealership located on U.S. Route 183. Upon arrival, they found the devices and promptly called the APD Bomb Squad to investigate the matter further. The devices were confirmed to be incendiary and were secured without any incidents or injuries reported. This alarming event is part of a broader pattern of violence against Tesla and its properties, linked to protests against the company's CEO, Elon Musk, and his involvement in governmental activities. Previous weeks had already seen heightened tensions, including public demonstrations at the same showroom and other Tesla locations nationwide, where protesters expressed their discontent with Musk's business practices and political affiliations, particularly those connected to the Trump administration. As investigations continue, local law enforcement is working in conjunction with federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, to assess the broader implications of these threats and ensure public safety. The Justice Department has made it clear that it perceives these actions as forms of domestic terrorism. Moving forward, authorities are determined to clamp down on violence directed towards Tesla properties to prevent further incidents like the one reported in Austin. Given the escalation of violent and threatening actions against Tesla, there is a growing concern that the situation may worsen without effective enforcement measures and community support. City officials, including council members, have publicly condemned the attack and reinforced their commitment to public safety while acknowledging the ongoing threats faced by Tesla and its facilities in recent weeks.