FBI initiates task force on 'domestic terrorism' following Tesla incidents
The announcement comes just hours after a bomb squad uncovered multiple “incendiary devices” at a dealership in Austin, Texas. In response to a rise in violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations throughout...
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The announcement comes just hours after a bomb squad uncovered multiple “incendiary devices” at a dealership in Austin, Texas.
In response to a rise in violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations throughout the US, the FBI has formed a specialized task force. These acts, which include arson and vandalism, have officially been designated as “domestic terrorism.”
The task force consists of ten members, including personnel from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as intelligence analysts, as reported by the New York Post on Monday. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the agency is intensifying efforts against those responsible for the attacks.
“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response,” Patel wrote. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become a more polarizing figure since President Donald Trump appointed him to head the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. Authorities believe that the attacks on Tesla are ideologically motivated and may be associated with an anarchist blog that advocates violence against the company.
Since late January, numerous attacks have occurred against Tesla cars, dealerships, and charging stations in the US and Canada, often accompanied by anti-Musk graffiti. In March alone, there have been 48 reported incidents involving Tesla properties, with seven currently under active investigation, according to the New York Post.
The task force is responsible for examining both past and recent attacks, including the discovery of incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership in Austin, Texas, on Monday, and for coordinating with local law enforcement to prevent additional incidents.
The FBI is also monitoring an upcoming protest called “Tesla Takedown,” which is scheduled for March 29 and aims to organize demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and charging stations across the country.
President Trump has condemned the attacks and suggested imposing severe penalties, including 20-year prison sentences in El Salvador’s infamous mega prison for those found guilty.
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the president’s sentiments, declaring that the Department of Justice will impose “severe consequences” on individuals involved, including those who coordinate or fund these crimes. As of Monday, three suspects have already been arrested in connection with the attacks.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
In response to a rise in violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations throughout the US, the FBI has formed a specialized task force. These acts, which include arson and vandalism, have officially been designated as “domestic terrorism.”
The task force consists of ten members, including personnel from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as intelligence analysts, as reported by the New York Post on Monday. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the agency is intensifying efforts against those responsible for the attacks.
“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response,” Patel wrote. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become a more polarizing figure since President Donald Trump appointed him to head the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. Authorities believe that the attacks on Tesla are ideologically motivated and may be associated with an anarchist blog that advocates violence against the company.
Since late January, numerous attacks have occurred against Tesla cars, dealerships, and charging stations in the US and Canada, often accompanied by anti-Musk graffiti. In March alone, there have been 48 reported incidents involving Tesla properties, with seven currently under active investigation, according to the New York Post.
The task force is responsible for examining both past and recent attacks, including the discovery of incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership in Austin, Texas, on Monday, and for coordinating with local law enforcement to prevent additional incidents.
The FBI is also monitoring an upcoming protest called “Tesla Takedown,” which is scheduled for March 29 and aims to organize demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and charging stations across the country.
President Trump has condemned the attacks and suggested imposing severe penalties, including 20-year prison sentences in El Salvador’s infamous mega prison for those found guilty.
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the president’s sentiments, declaring that the Department of Justice will impose “severe consequences” on individuals involved, including those who coordinate or fund these crimes. As of Monday, three suspects have already been arrested in connection with the attacks.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
