Salem, OR – A Salem man has been arrested on federal charges following two separate incidents of vandalism at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon. Authorities allege that 41-year-old Adam M. Lansky was responsible for significant property damage, including the destruction of multiple vehicles and windows.
According to investigators, the first incident took place on January 20, when Lansky is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at the Tesla dealership. The firebombs caused extensive damage to the property, destroying seven vehicles and causing an estimated $500,000 in damage. Surveillance footage captured Lansky approaching the dealership, igniting the Molotov cocktails, and throwing them at the building and parked vehicles. The footage also showed him pointing an AR-15 style rifle at a witness during the attack.
The second incident occurred on February 19, when gunfire was reported to have damaged windows at the same Tesla dealership. Investigators traced the vehicle used in the shooting back to Lansky, linking him to the crime. Fingerprints found on remnants of the Molotov cocktails connected him to the earlier attack as well.
Lansky, who was arrested on March 4, now faces federal charges related to the illegal possession of an unregistered destructive device. He is currently being held in custody pending further court proceedings.
These incidents come amid a broader pattern of political protests targeting Tesla dealerships across the country. While some of these protests are believed to be linked to CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement, authorities have not yet confirmed if Lansky’s actions were politically motivated.
The Salem man’s arrest has prompted renewed attention to the ongoing issue of vandalism at high-profile businesses, with authorities stressing the seriousness of the charges against him. The case continues to unfold as investigators work to gather additional information.
