41-year-old Adam Matthew Lansky from Salem is now facing federal charges, following a string of events that left a Tesla dealership damaged in two separate incidents this year. According to a KATU report, Lansky has been charged with illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device in the early March. The dealership, located at 2755 Mission St. SE, was first attacked on Jan. 20 with Molotov cocktails and again on Feb. 19 when its windows were shot out.
The ATF, through court documents, has revealed that surveillance footage captured Lansky lighting and illegally throwing at least eight Molotov cocktails at the property on Jan. 20. He is also accused of using a rock to break a showroom window. Four additional unlit Molotov cocktails, later found in the parking lot, reportedly had fingerprints matching Lansky's. Disturbingly enough, surveillance footage also caught him brandishing an AR-15-style rifle with a suppressor at a Tesla vehicle as it departed from a nearby charging station.
A subsequent indictment presented by a federal grand jury resulted in Lansky facing additional charges including attempting arson of property used in interstate commerce, according to a KGW report. In line with the indictment, there are also forfeiture allegations suggesting that in the event of a conviction, Lansky would be required to hand over any explosive materials and firearms in his possession.
Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the severity of the crimes, labeling them as "domestic terrorism" in the context of increasing vandalisms at Tesla properties both within the nation and overseas. "The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi is quoted as saying in the Statesman Journal. "Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.” Lansky's arraignment on the indictment is scheduled for April 3, and he could be facing up to 20 years in prison.
This series of attacks comes amidst increasing tensions associated with President Donald Trump's administration and Elon Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). There have been protests and acts of vandalism nationwide, indicating a climate of dissent against policies and actions taken by Musk and Trump. The Justice Department has been forward in pressing charges in related cases, with incidents also emerging in cities like Loveland, Colorado, and Charleston, South Carolina.
