AUSTIN (KEYE) — A tense situation unfolded at a Tesla dealership in Austin, Texas, where police discovered multiple incendiary devices. The discovery comes as authorities investigate a troubling rise in similar incidents targeting Tesla properties across the country, with reports spanning at least nine states since the beginning of the year.

Austin police responded to a call at a Tesla dealership off US 183 around 8 a.m. on Monday, where officers discovered multiple suspicious devices. The bomb squad determined the devices were incendiary and took them into police custody.

Michael Bullock, President of the Austin Police Association, explained, "It's not necessarily to say it's a bomb. Incendiary devices can be ones that are just meant to catch things on fire."

Bullock noted that such calls are not new for the department or nationwide. The FBI reported similar incidents involving Tesla properties in nine different states since January.

"Our immediate concern is the safety of everybody that's in that area and making sure that nobody is at hurt of physical harm especially when there are active devices," Bullock said.

The incident was alarming for Tim Chittim who lives just down the street from the dealership.

"Ohhh that's horrific. Horrible," he said. "I have grandchildren. What if I was up here showing them a car?"

The incident is currently under investigation. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his readiness to assist, stating, "I stand ready to assist in any way to bring these perpetrators to justice."

As these incidents become more frequent, Bullock advised caution near Tesla properties. "This is an extremely violent one that is going to get the most attention that it deserves because we don't want to see these things again," he said.

In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel labeled these incidents as "domestic terrorism" and vowed that those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice. Despite the morning's events, the dealership appeared to be operating as usual by the afternoon.