The FBI announced this week the formation of a special task force aimed at "combating violent attacks against Tesla." This follows a series of incidents that appear to be targeting Tesla, the electric car manufacturer led by Elon Musk. The establishment of this task force underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating these attacks, recognizing the potential for escalation and broader disruption.
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03-26, 2025Acts of violence and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities have been ongoing for months, including incidents at charging stations and against privately owned vehicles. Protests have also been held at Tesla showrooms, criticizing the company's CEO, Musk. Critics believe Musk is leading the Trump administration's controversial efforts to downsize the federal government workforce and shrink federal agencies through a government efficiency department. This has fueled tensions and potentially contributed to the targeting of Tesla.
Over the weekend, the FBI urged the public to be vigilant for signs of potential attacks against Tesla dealerships or Tesla-related entities, including surveillance or attempts to break into Tesla properties, or individuals making threats against the company online. This call for public assistance highlights the importance of community involvement in preventing future attacks and ensuring the safety of Tesla facilities and personnel.
Ben Williamson, Assistant Director of Public Affairs for the FBI, stated on social platform X that the new task force will work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate anti-Tesla attacks. The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced it would crack down on the increasing number of attacks against Tesla, including prosecuting those accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at the electric car manufacturer's properties. The collaboration between the FBI and ATF underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on Monday: "This is domestic terrorism. The perpetrators will be hunted down, caught, and brought to justice." Attorney General Pam Bondi also described anti-Tesla actions as "domestic terrorism" last week. This follows an incident where a person dressed in black shot and burned several Tesla cars at a repair shop in Las Vegas. Tesla's sales and stock prices have also faced a significant decline. The strong language used by law enforcement officials reflects the severity with which they view these attacks and the potential impact on the company and its stakeholders.
Musk responded on X, the social media platform, on Monday: "No question, shooting at Tesla stores and burning Superchargers is an act of terrorism." Last week, Musk posted on X in response to violence targeting Tesla facilities, writing: "Tesla is just making electric cars and doing nothing that should warrant these evil attacks." Musk's comments underscore the company's perspective that it is being unfairly targeted and that the attacks are unjustified.
The FBI declined to disclose how many people will be assigned to the special task force. The New York Post first reported on the new law enforcement initiative. As previously reported by CNN, there are currently local organizers in approximately 28 states and Washington, D.C., and Tesla showrooms are attracting an increasing number of protesters. The lack of specific details about the task force's size suggests a cautious approach, while the presence of protesters across the country indicates the breadth of the opposition to Tesla.
Joan Donovan, one of the organizers of the "Tesla Disassembly" movement, said in a statement that she has been subjected to "vicious threats and doxxing" for participating in public demonstrations. She posted on Bluesky: "Musk has developed his own private network of harassment troops who are calling me a domestic terrorist because I protest Tesla's potentially unconstitutional behavior re: DOGE." Donovan's experience highlights the potential dangers faced by individuals involved in protesting Tesla and the challenges of navigating online harassment and threats.
As the federal government takes action to control these attacks, police in Austin, Texas, received a call on Monday about possible hazardous materials found at a Tesla dealership. Police officers who arrived at the scene reported finding "suspicious devices" and summoned a bomb squad, which determined the devices were "incendiary devices" and removed them without incident. Austin police declined to release further details about the type of incendiary devices they found, noting that the FBI is now the primary agency investigating the incident. CNN has contacted Tesla for comment. The incident in Austin underscores the ongoing threat to Tesla facilities and the need for continued vigilance and security measures.
The FBI said over the weekend that anti-Tesla incidents have occurred in at least nine states, noting that the incidents appear to occur at night and are "committed by lone offenders." The FBI stated: "These incidents involve arson, shootings, and vandalism, including graffiti expressing grievances over what the perpetrators perceive as racism, fascism, or political opposition." The FBI is asking anyone with information about these crimes to contact law enforcement. The FBI's description of the incidents suggests a coordinated effort by individuals with diverse motivations, united by their opposition to Tesla and its CEO.
Meanwhile, some people protesting Tesla also appear to be targeted. According to authorities, protesters outside a Tesla dealership in Palm Beach County, Florida, had to avoid an SUV that jumped the curb and drove toward them over the weekend. A woman who recorded the aftermath with her phone recalled that a black SUV slowed down and quietly drove past the protesters before suddenly accelerating. Authorities said the SUV nearly hit people, but no one was injured. An arrest report shows that a Tesla employee told police the driver of the car got out, walked into the dealership, and said he supported Tesla. This incident highlights the escalating tensions surrounding Tesla and the potential for violence on both sides of the issue.
At the same time, Tesla owners across the country say they have also become targets. A Tesla owner in Wichita, Kansas, told CNN affiliate KAKE that she found deep scratches on her brand-new bright red car last Thursday after she finished dinner at a local restaurant. Abigail Gill told KAKE: "Damaging personal vehicles doesn't affect Elon Musk. It's not damaging the person you think it is." Wichita police confirmed Gill had filed a report and they are investigating the incident. Authorities in Newtown Township, Pennsylvania, are also investigating the vandalism of a Tesla Cybertruck by a group of teenagers on Sunday, after video of the incident was shared with the police department. These incidents demonstrate the broader impact of the anti-Tesla sentiment, extending beyond facilities and protests to individual owners and their vehicles.
