MESA, Ariz. — Authorities are investigating a case of apparent vandalism and possible arson at a Tesla dealership and service center in Mesa, officials said Monday.
Emergency crews responded early Monday morning to the scene near Southern Avenue and Sossaman Road, where they extinguished a fire. Mesa officials confirmed the fire is being investigated as a potential arson case.
Video footage from the site showed the word “THEIF” — a misspelling of “thief” — spray-painted on the building.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are on the scene, and traffic restrictions remain in effect in the surrounding area as the investigation continues.
The Mesa incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities across the United States.
Earlier this year, a 19-year-old college student was charged after allegedly setting two Tesla Cybertrucks on fire at a Tesla Center in Kansas City. Separately, a man was arrested in Las Vegas after setting Tesla vehicles ablaze and leaving the word “resist” painted at the scene. In Austin, Texas, police investigated incendiary devices discovered at a Tesla dealership.
President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have condemned the attacks, describing them as “nothing short of domestic terrorism.”
The investigation in Mesa remains active.
