LESTER HOLT: Fiery scenes in Las Vegas and Kansas City, Missouri overnight as Tesla vehicles were set on fire. It appears to be the latest in a string of vandalism attacks against the company. Here’s NBC’s Liz Kreutz.
LIZ KREUTZ: Tonight, authorities investigating what they are calling a targeted attack on a Tesla repair center in Las Vegas.This dramatic video showing multiple cars in flames. According to authorities, the suspected arson occurred early this morning. When police arrived, they found five vehicles set on fire or damaged, and the word “resist" spray-painted on the front of the business.
LAW ENFORCEMENT SPOKESPERSON: We believe the suspect approached the business wearing all black clothing, and he used what appeared to be molotov cocktails and a firearm to conduct his attack.
KREUTZ: Just hours before in Kansas City, two Tesla Cybertrucks set ablaze at a dealership there. Tonight the FBI stepping in to help local police investigate both incidents.
SPENCER EVANS: To those who might think that something like this is justifiable or potentially even admirable, we want to let you know it's a federal crime. We will come after you.
KREUTZ: While authorities say the identities of the suspects and the motivation behind the attacks are still unknown, it comes amid at least 16 reports of vandalism to Tesla vehicles and dealerships across the country, as people nationwide protest Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his prominent role in the Trump administration.
PROTESTER: We are out here because we are defending democracy.
KREUTZ: President Trump sending a warning to those who vandalize Tesla property:
DONALD TRUMP: If you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we are going to catch you and you are going to go through hell.
KREUTZ: Tesla's stock seeing a sharp drop, down more than 40% this year. Tonight, Musk reposting the video from Las Vegas, calling the incident “terrorism.”
And Lester, here in Vegas authorities have blocked off the street as they continue the investigation. They’re working to figure out who owns these vehicles. Because it is a repair shop, it is likely that many are owned by people, individuals, and not the company. Lester.
HOLT: All right. Liz Kreutz tonight, thank you.
