Federal agencies investigate arson attempt at Vallejo Tesla dealership

VALLEJO – The FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to an attempted arson at the Vallejo Tesla dealership on Saturday to investigate whether it was an act of “domestic terrorism.”

Vallejo police responded to a 911 call of vandalism at the Tesla dealership at 12:50 a.m. Saturday in the 1000 block of Admiral Callaghan Lane.  Vallejo police and federal agencies returned on Saturday afternoon to further investigate the crime scene.

The FBI posted a photo on Facebook on Monday showing several agents from the ATF and FBI standing in front of a black Tesla with what appears to be broken glass on the driver's seat.

Vallejo police Sgt. Rashad Hollis declined to release further details but said, “the federal partners were called to determine if this incident would be categorized as domestic terrorism.”

An FBI spokesperson declined to comment.

Tesla dealerships have been frequent targets of protests and vandalism following the re-election of President Donald Trump, as Tesla CEO Elon Musk has led an effort to cut federal agencies under the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.

The Vallejo Tesla dealership has had recurring weekly protests for months on Saturday mornings, which by all accounts have been peaceful.

In March, U.S. General Attorney Pam Bondi called acts of vandalism against Tesla’s “nothing short of domestic terrorism.” FBI director Kash Patel echoed the same sentiment over X and the agency started a special task force to investigate such acts. 

Vince Ramos, who works at a boba shop across the street, was present Saturday and witnessed the police presence. Ramos said that he saw 20 to 30 protesters at the dealership that morning when he clocked in for work. Later that afternoon, Ramos said that he saw police cordoning off the dealership. FBI agents later entered the boba shop at around 6 p.m. asking to view security footage.

A sales person for the Vallejo Tesla dealership declined to comment, stating “we’re not allowed to speak about ongoing investigations.” 

When asked if the dealership was impacted by the vandalism he answered, “we’re all good.”