- The FBI launched a new task force to investigate attacks on Tesla properties, labeling them as “domestic terrorism.” Incidents occured in at least nine states.
- The FBI is collaborating with the ATF to address the attacks, which led to charges against three individuals facing up to 20 years in prison.
- A group called “Tesla Takedown” planned peaceful protests against Elon Musk’s leadership, accusing him of harming democracy, while the FBI urged public vigilance around Tesla locations.
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The FBI stepped up its efforts to investigate attacks against Tesla by launching a new task force.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the attacks “domestic terrorism,” Monday, March 24 on X.
“Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice,” Patel wrote.
How widespread are the attacks?
The move comes as the agency has been working to crack down on attacks on Tesla cars, charging stations and showrooms amid controversy over CEO Elon Musk’s leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency.
The incidents have happened in at least nine states.
On Monday, March 24, a bomb squad found multiple incendiary devices at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, home of the company’s global headquarters.
Ben Williamson, the FBI’s assistant director for public affairs, said the new task force would work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
How will the new task force operate?
It’s not clear how the force differs from the current work the FBI and ATF are doing to assist law enforcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges on Thursday, March 20, against three individuals responsible for the destruction of Tesla properties. They all face up to 20 years in prison.
She also recently sent a stark warning to vandals.
“If you’re gonna touch a Tesla, go to a dealership, do anything, you better watch out because we’re coming after you,” Bondi said.
Musk criticized the attacks on X.
“This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong,” Musk said. “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”
A group called “Tesla Takedown” called for protests on Saturday, March 29 outside of the nearly 300 Tesla showrooms in the United States.
The group stated on its Global Day of Action webpage, “Elon Musk is destroying our democracy, and he’s using the fortune he built at Tesla to do it.”
Organizers emphasized it’s a “peaceful protest movement” and they oppose violence, vandalism and destruction.
The FBI also recently warned the public to be on high alert near Tesla dealerships and called on citizens to report any violence to the authorities immediately.
