A Colorado Tesla dealership has been attacked five times this year — the most recent coming around midnight Thursday and involved what police called "incendiary devices" — and come amid fierce backlash to CEO Elon Musk's effort to drastically shrink the federal government and its budget.
The dealership in Loveland, Colorado, has been attacked at least five times in 2025, police said in a news release Friday afternoon. The incidents occurred on Jan. 29, Feb. 2, Feb. 7, Feb. 27, and overnight Friday.
Police described the most recent attack as an arson case, in which an "incendiary device" was placed near the building. The device caught fire between two vehicles, "putting several occupants inside Tesla at risk," police said. An officer extinguished the flames and prevented extensive damage, "noting the strong odor of gasoline."
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The building and several vehicles were also damaged in the attack by what appeared to be thrown rocks.
The dealership has faced increasingly escalating attacks since Feb. 7, which also involved attempted arson and offensive graffiti. One sign had the word "Nazi" spray painted on it. That incident came after Musk made a gesture at Trump's inauguration that many compared to a Hitler salute.
Lucy Grace Nelson, 40, was arrested following a Feb. 24 incident but was recently released on a personal recognizance bond from federal charges, Loveland police said. The most recent attack does not appear to be connected to Nelson, said police.
Nevertheless, the city's police chief blasted federal authorities for releasing Nelson.
"I couldn't be more disappointed with a criminal justice system that would release an individual on a PR bond who placed incendiary devices at a Loveland business," said Chief Tim Doran in a statement. "This decision is not just troubling for our community but reflects a broader problem faced nationwide."
Doran called it "incredibly challenging" to keep citizens safe from copycat behavior when there are no repercussions to lawlessness."
Nelson was federally charged with malicious destruction of property. She also faces state charges including explosives or incendiary devices used during a felony, criminal mischief involving a business and criminal attempt to commit a class 3 felony.
Other Tesla dealerships have also been attacked. Early Friday, a dealership in Oregon was hit by gunfire, damaging three cars and shattering windows. A showroom in that same state was also targeted by arson and gunfire in January and February.
