In the US, the FBI has established a special task force to address attacks targeting Tesla dealerships and charging stations. The actions have officially been classified as “domestic terrorism.” Attacks on Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, seem to be ideologically motivated.
The FBI has set up a special task force to address the increase in violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations nationwide. Acts involving arson and vandalism have been officially classified as “domestic terrorism.” According to the New York Post, the task force consists of ten members, including personnel from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and intelligence analysts.
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media platform X, “FBI is investigating the increase in acts of violence against Tesla. We have taken additional steps to intensify and coordinate our intervention. This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be tracked, captured, and brought to justice.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become an increasingly polarizing figure since being appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
According to officials, the attacks on Tesla appear to be ideologically motivated. Since the end of January, there have been dozens of attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations in the US and Canada. According to the New York Post, there have been 48 incidents reported regarding Tesla properties in just March, and seven are currently under active investigation.
The new task force has been tasked with investigating both past and recent attacks, including the discovery of incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership in Texas, and will coordinate with local law enforcement. President Trump has condemned the attacks and suggested heavy penalties, including culprits being sentenced to 20 years in El Salvador’s notorious mega prison.