Trial set for Salem man accused of Tesla dealership attacks

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The federal trial of an Oregon man accused of vandalizing a Tesla dealership in Salem twice is set for May.

Adam Lansky, 41, is among a handful of people facing federal charges for targeting Tesla properties, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on March 20.

An attorney representing Lansky said he waived his client’s updated arraignment, originally scheduled for April 3. A court clerk told KOIN 6 News a “not guilty” plea was entered on Lansky’s behalf for the charges against him.

On March 4, Lansky was arrested after authorities linked him to reports of someone throwing Molotov cocktails and shooting at a Tesla dealership in Salem on two separate occasions.

According to a federal indictment, Lansky faces two counts of attempted arson of property used in interstate commerce and one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device for the alleged attacks.

Investigators say security footage captured a figure in black igniting and throwing a firebomb at the dealership in the early hours of Inauguration day.

Still images taken after the incident show vehicles torched and windows shattered.

One month later, on February 19th, investigators claim Lansky used an AR-15 style rifle with a suppressor to shoot up the dealership, resulting in $500,000 in damage.

According to a criminal complaint, FBI lab results linked four fingerprints on glass bottles and duct tape, found at the scene of the first attack, back to Lansky.

Investigators also claim Lansky’s Volkswagen Jetta was spotted parked near the Tesla dealership during the second attack in February.

Following Lansky’s arrest, US Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced Lansky and others accused of targeting Tesla could face serious penalties for the charges, which would carry a five-year minimum sentence and a maximum of 20 years in prison.

“I have made clear that if you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you and put you behind bars,” Bondi doubled down in a video posted to Instagram on March 31.

“All of these cases are a serious threat to public safety. Therefore, there will be no negotiating. We are seeking 20 years in prison,” Bondi added.

The case garnered national attention as anti-Tesla protests continue in Oregon and other parts of the country.

A three-day trial for Lansky is scheduled for May 20.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow the case as it develops.