Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin was the target of an arson attack on Tuesday, with the left-wing extremist group Vulkan Group claiming responsibility.
German politician Dietmar Woidke condemned the attack, labeling it a serious assault on critical infrastructure with wide-reaching implications for thousands of individuals and businesses across Germany. Woidke described the incident as “a form of terrorism.”
The Vulkan Group, in claiming the act, stated their intent was to “shut down Tesla.” Following the attack, the power supply to Giga Berlin was disrupted but has since been restored.
Tesla Manufacturing issued a statement on X in German, expressing solidarity with its employees, the local community of Grünheide, and all those affected by this deliberate sabotage of the public power grid. Tesla emphasized the safety of its over 12,000 employees as a top priority, expressing relief that no injuries resulted from the incident. Tesla condemned the reckless nature of the attack and its potential for causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure and personal harm.
“We are shocked that damage to critical infrastructure such as clinics and personal injuries were apparently accepted. We assume that law enforcement authorities and courts will hold those responsible,” the statement read.
Expressing gratitude for widespread support, Tesla reaffirmed its commitment to its mission, vowing not to be deterred by such acts of violence or terrorism. The company plans to restart the factory and resume full production as soon as possible.
These are either the dumbest eco-terrorists on Earth or they’re puppets of those who don’t have good environmental goals.
Stopping production of electric vehicles, rather than fossil fuel vehicles, ist extrem dumm.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2024
Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the attack, questioning the logic behind the perpetrators’ actions. “These are either the dumbest eco-terrorists on Earth or they’re puppets of those who don’t have good environmental goals,” Musk said, criticizing the irony in targeting an electric vehicle producer rather than fossil fuel operations. “Stopping production of electric vehicles, rather than fossil fuel vehicles, ist extrem dumm (is extremely stupid).”
Trying to set a factory ablaze? That is not smart at all and likely will turn supporters against you.
Giga Berlin currently produces the Tesla Model Y for Europe.