Share and Follow

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An Oregon man accused of trying to destroy property at a Tesla dealership in Salem twice since January has been arraigned on federal charges, according to court documents obtained affiliate KOIN.

Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, was arrested Tuesday after authorities linked him to reports that someone had been throwing Molotov cocktails and shooting at the dealership on two separate occasions.

The first instance, on Jan. 20, involved a Molotov cocktail, according to court documents.

“The Subject walked between the building and the vehicles parked in front of it, then pulled out a bag and started lighting an object on fire,” the court document said. “The Subject threw the object at a red Tesla SUV parked in front of the building, which started to catch fire, and then threw an object through the showroom window. The Subject proceeded to throw three or four more objects at other vehicles parked in front of the building.”

A month later, on Feb. 19, officials received reports that someone had caused damage by firing bullets into the building and a vehicle. Court documents said the suspect had been seen carrying an AR-15 style rifle with a suppressor.

  • Oregon man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealership in Salem
  • Oregon man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealership in Salem
  • Oregon man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealership in Salem
  • Oregon man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealership in Salem
  • Oregon man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealership in Salem
  • Tesla dealership in Salem targeted in possible arson attack, investigation ongoing

No suspects were found at the scene on either occasion, according to police.

Investigators later said Lansky could be spotted in surveillance footage throwing the Molotov cocktails that “struck a dealership building and several vehicles” in January and his car could be seen parked near the dealership during the second attack in February.

Lansky, a Salem resident, was charged by criminal complaint with illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device in a federal court.

He will remain in custody until his next court appearance. No other details were immediately available.

Tesla dealerships throughout the U.S. became a site for protest gatherings this weekend, amid backlash over the automaker’s billionaire CEO, Elon Musk, and his push to slash government spending on behalf of President Donald Trump. But at least one other person is accused of vandalizing a different Tesla dealership in Colorado with incendiary devices in January and February, according to officials. The suspect, in that particular case, also spray-painted the words “Nazi cars” on the building, the Associated Press reported.

The cases come amid rising concerns voiced by Democrats and some Republicans about Musk’s influence over the administration of President Donald Trump, and accusations that Musk made a gesture compared to a Nazi salute on Trump’s inauguration day.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
James Van Der Beek forced to auction off Dawson's Creek keepsakes

James Van Der Beek to Auction Beloved Dawson’s Creek Memorabilia

James Van Der Beek is auctioning a selection of memorabilia from his…
ICE Chicago news: Judge considers releasing hundreds arrested in Chicago immigration operation 'Midway Blitz'

Chicago Judge Weighs Release of Hundreds Arrested in ‘Midway Blitz’ Immigration Operation

In Chicago, tensions rise as a federal judge deliberates the possible release…
Democrats' aide had lavish life paid for by China, prosecutors say

Prosecutors Claim Democratic Aide Lived Luxuriously on Funds from China

Federal prosecutors have accused a former senior aide to New York Governor…
ICE arrests Moldovan illegal immigrant and convicted killer who tortured, threw victim out ninth-floor window

ICE Detains Moldovan Convicted Killer in U.S.: Shocking Details of Ninth-Floor Window Incident Unveiled

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended a Moldovan illegal…
'A huge day for women': FDA removes black box warning from hormone replacement therapy drugs

FDA Lifts Black Box Warning on Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Milestone for Women’s Health

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated that…
Suspect accused of killing college pre-med student has a criminal history: court records

Court Records Reveal Criminal Past of Suspect in College Student’s Tragic Death

The man accused of the tragic hit-and-run incident that resulted in the…
'Grocery buddy' system helping families missing out on SNAP

New ‘Grocery Buddy’ Initiative Supports Families Overlooked by SNAP Benefits

A Chicago-based nonprofit is addressing the disruption in SNAP payments by establishing…
He fought two forms of cancer at the same time, here's what he learned

Battling Dual Cancers: Insights from a Survivor’s Journey

In a remarkable tale of resilience, an Arkansas resident is opening up…