The FBI has taken decisive action against a disturbing rise in attacks on Tesla properties, establishing a special task force to combat what’s being called “domestic terrorism.” This coordinated effort comes as Elon Musk faces increasing threats seemingly linked to his role in Trump’s administration.
At a glance:
• FBI and ATF have formed a special task force to address violent attacks against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations
• 48 reports of Tesla-related violence have been received since March 1, including arson, vandalism, and shootings
• Three arrests have been made related to Molotov cocktail attacks in Oregon and Colorado
• Attacks coincide with Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
• “Tesla Takedown” protesters plan 500 demonstrations at Tesla locations on March 29
FBI Launches Counterterrorism Effort Against Tesla Attacks
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a specialized task force to combat the growing wave of violence against Tesla properties across the nation. This joint effort between the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) comes in response to numerous incidents including arson, vandalism, and targeted shootings against Tesla dealerships and charging stations.
Since March 1, the FBI has received 48 reports related to Tesla violence and threats, with seven arson investigations currently pending. The attacks appear to have intensified following Elon Musk’s appointment to President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he’s been working to eliminate government waste.
FBI spokesman Ben Williamson emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing the situation, stating, “As always, Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino have been adamant about responsiveness to agents on the ground and providing them the resources they need to serve Americans. This Task Force is just the latest move in coordinating our efforts to ensure those who violently attack Tesla will be pursued and brought to justice.”
The FBI has created a specific threat tag and established a command post to streamline reports and coordinate investigative efforts. Three arrests have already been made in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks in Oregon and Colorado, showing the task force’s early success in identifying perpetrators.
Incendiary Devices Found at Texas Showroom
In a particularly alarming incident, incendiary devices were discovered at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas. Austin police responded to a call about suspicious devices around 8 a.m., promptly involving the bomb squad and ATF agents in the investigation.
The devices were safely removed by police without incident, preventing what could have been a devastating attack. City Council Member Krista Laine condemned the violence, stating, “I am incredibly thankful to our APD officers for their prompt response to this incident and quick resolution ensuring that no one was hurt.”
Musk Attributes Attacks to Political Targeting
Elon Musk has expressed shock over the attacks, attributing them to hatred and violence from the left. “It’s really come as quite a shock to me that there is this level of real hatred and violence from the left,” Musk stated.
“I thought the left, you know, Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring. And yet they’re burning down cars, they’re firebombing dealerships, they’re firing bullets into dealerships, they’re just smashing up Teslas.”
Musk has suggested the attacks may be a direct response to his efforts to eliminate government waste and fraud through his role in the Trump administration. “It turns out when you take away people’s, you know, the money that they’re receiving fraudulently, they get very upset,” he explained.
The Tesla CEO further speculated about larger forces potentially orchestrating the violence, questioning, “Who’s funding and who’s coordinating it? Because this is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
That’s a good question.
