Federal authorities are investigating after multiple incendiary devices were discovered at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, early Monday morning, in what officials say may be part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting the electric car company.
The Austin Police Department said officers responded at approximately 8:04 a.m. local time to the dealership located at 12845 North U.S. 183 Highway Service Road, where suspicious devices were reported. The department's bomb squad was dispatched and confirmed the devices were incendiary in nature. No injuries were reported, and the devices were safely taken into custody.
"This is an open and ongoing investigation, and there is no further information available for release at this time," Austin police said in a statement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, supported by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). "ATF is part of the investigation but FBI is the lead," said a spokeswoman for the ATF's Houston field office.
The incident coincides with CEO Elon Musk's presence at a White House Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump. Musk, who relocated Tesla's headquarters to Austin, has become a polarizing figure since joining the Trump administration in January as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal agency tasked with slashing government spending and workforce.
Tesla properties have increasingly been the target of vandalism and politically charged protests. Monday's bomb scare adds to a string of incidents involving Tesla facilities in at least nine states, including cases where Molotov cocktails were reportedly thrown at vehicles. Protesters have held demonstrations at the Austin dealership this month, though police have not linked them to the latest device placement.
Austin City Council member Krista Laine, who represents the district where the incident occurred, condemned the attack. "I strongly condemn any action that puts the people of Austin in danger. No matter the motivation, violence of any kind is unacceptable," Laine said in a statement. "I am deeply relieved that no one was hurt during this incident."
Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn also weighed in, blaming "radical liberals" for encouraging politically motivated attacks. "The wave of domestic terrorism targeted at Tesla and the radical liberals encouraging these politically-motivated attacks are sick and twisted," Cornyn posted on X. "I stand ready to assist in any way to bring these perpetrators to justice."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called on Democrats to condemn the escalating violence. "It's despicable, the violence that has taken place against Tesla, the company, its employees and also just Americans who have chosen to drive an electric vehicle," Leavitt said.
DOGE, launched in January, has become a lightning rod in partisan politics. Musk's sweeping mandate includes major government downsizing, and the initiative has prompted both praise and outrage across political lines.
