Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said on Monday there is evidence suggesting a "rather likely" anarchist motive behind the incident: "Elements prosecutors are examining lead us to think it’s rather likely there’s an anarchist-antagonist matrix," he said on state television.
The fire, which broke out around 4:30 am local time, caused massive damage to the dealership on the eastern outskirts of Rome. No injuries were reported.
Tesla owner Elon Musk called the attack an act of "terrorism" in a post on X.
Italy’s special police unit, Digos, is leading the investigation into the incident, a security source confirmed.
Teslas have been targeted in multiple countries now, with vandals attacking the vehicles in response to Musk’s political activism. The tech mogul has aligned himself with President Donald Trump’s administration and expressed support for right-wing parties in Europe.
Drone footage from the scene showed charred remains of vehicles lined up in a parking lot, some grouped closely together while others sat further apart. Although the fire partially damaged the dealership, first responders were able to contain the flames before they spread further.
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party, also voiced his support for Musk. "Too much unjustified hatred against the Tesla car company," Salvini wrote on X. He called for an end to what he described as a "season of hate and conflict," adding, "My solidarity goes out to Elon Musk and to all the workers who have been threatened and attacked."
Meanwhile, Tesla stores and vehicles in Sweden were also vandalized on Monday. In Stockholm and Malmo, orange paint was sprayed across Tesla storefronts and cars.
Public broadcaster SVT reported that police detained four suspects in Malmo and are investigating their motives. "A patrol was alerted to a store on Boplatsgatan due to someone painting a building and cars with orange paint," Malmo police said in a statement.
