Seven Tesla charging stations were intentionally set ablaze on Monday at a shopping center just outside of Boston, according to police reports. This incident is the most recent in a series of attacks targeting the electric vehicle company since its CEO, Elon Musk, cultivated a close relationship with President Trump.
The fires were reported around 1:10 a.m. at a shopping center in Littleton, Massachusetts, approximately 30 miles outside of Boston, as stated in a news release from the Littleton Police Department.
Police directed the Littleton Electric Light & Water Department to cut power to the charging stations due to the significant smoke. Before the power could be shut off, another charging station ignited. The location housed 12 charging stations, according to a Tesla map.
Tesla has not yet issued a public statement in response to the incident.
Across the country, Tesla showrooms and dealerships have been targeted with protests and vandalism since Mr. Trump assumed office and appointed Mr. Musk to further his political agenda. These actions seem to stem from Mr. Musk’s political affiliations, including his controversial acquisition of the federal government and his efforts to reduce federal employment.
Recently, federal prosecutors brought charges against a Colorado resident for destruction of property. The individual is accused of spray-painting the word “Nazi” on the side of a Tesla dealership and placing an incendiary device near a vehicle, as detailed in a press release from the U.S. attorney in Colorado.
In response to these events, certain Tesla owners are selling their vehicles to distance themselves from the company’s leadership. Despite these reactions, Teslas remain the most popular electric vehicles in the United States. Conversely, some car owners have expressed support for Mr. Musk in Facebook groups, with some noting they have purchased Tesla vehicles to show their backing for the CEO.
