‘Terrorism’: Elon Musk reacts to fire at Tesla dealership in Rome

Italy's special police unit Digos is leading an investigation looking into the possibility that anarchists set fire to the Tesla cars.

Updated on: Apr 1, 2025, 02:43:04 IST

By HT News Desk

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday claimed that an act of terrorism had led to more than 17 cars being damaged in a fire at a dealership for his company in Rome amid a spate of attacks on the vehicles across Europe.

A drone view shows charred Tesla vehicles following a fire at a Tesla dealership that destroyed vehicles, in Rome. (REUTERS)

In a post on X, where a post showed the Tesla cars which had been destroyed by the blaze, Musk simply responded with “terrorism" in response to the attacks on his company's vehicles.

Also Read: Anti-Musk protesters target Tesla showrooms in US, UK, Europe; car torched in Germany | On cam

An Italian special police unit named Digos is leading an investigation into the possibility of anarchists setting fire to the cars, reported Reuters. The fire broke out at around 4:30 am on Monday. While several cars were seriously damaged, no person was injured.

Also Read: Elon Musk's daughter calls him ‘insecure buffoon’, claims Tesla is a ‘Ponzi scheme’ in explosive interview

Italy's deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, expressed his support for Elon Musk in light of the incident and said, “Too much unjustified hatred against the Tesla car company. The season of hate and conflict must come to an end as soon as possible. My solidarity goes out to Elon Musk and to all the workers who have been threatened and attacked.”

Vandalism against Tesla cars

Tesla cars have been the target of vandalism in the United States and across several countries in Europe ever since Musk became a member of the Trump administration, heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Also Read: Elon Musk stepping down as DOGE chief amid Tesla crisis? What we know

On Monday, two more stores were vandalised in Stockholm and Malmo in Sweden, with Tesla cars spray painted and damaged. Police have detained four people in relation to the case, reported Reuters.

In the United States, mass protests were carried out near Tesla dealerships in Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota, and more states, with people raising slogans such as 'Burn a Tesla, Save Democracy', ‘De-Musk America’ and 'Don't Buy Nazi Cars'.

Around seven Tesla cars were also torched in north-west Germany allegedly in response to Musk's endorsement of the right-wing party AfD.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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