The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a nationwide alert following a wave of attacks targeting Tesla dealerships, storage lots, and charging stations across the United States. Since January, multiple incidents involving arson, gunfire, and vandalism have been reported in at least nine states. Law enforcement agencies are treating these attacks as criminal acts, with growing concerns that they could escalate further.
The FBI has urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity near Tesla facilities. The ongoing investigation is being handled with urgency, as authorities work to determine the motives behind these attacks and identify those responsible.
The attacks have occurred mainly at night, and the perpetrators appear to be acting alone. According to the FBI, the individuals involved are using basic methods, such as Molotov cocktails and firearms, to cause destruction. Some incidents have also involved graffiti expressing political and social grievances, often directed at Tesla CEO Elon Musk or individuals accused of racism and extremism. Law enforcement officials suspect that these acts of vandalism are not random but are part of a growing movement against Musk and his role in the government.
🚨PSA: FBI warns of nationwide incidents—arson, gunfire, and vandalism targeting Tesla EVs, dealerships, and charging stations in 9+ states, linked to political grievances. The #FBI urges vigilance and awareness around Tesla locations. https://t.co/1i97kbOgKB pic.twitter.com/jwWUKpvxoM
— FBI (@FBI) March 22, 2025
One of the most serious incidents took place in Las Vegas, where five Tesla vehicles were deliberately set on fire at a Tesla Collision Center. Authorities confirmed that Molotov cocktails and firearms were used in the attack. Other cities, including Seattle, Portland, and Charleston, have also reported similar cases of vandalism and arson at Tesla facilities. The attacks have not only resulted in property damage but have also raised safety concerns among Tesla employees and customers. The FBI is working closely with local law enforcement agencies to track down those responsible and prevent further attacks.
The growing hostility toward Tesla has been linked to political tensions surrounding Elon Musk. Since taking on a government role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has faced increasing backlash from various groups. Protests and demonstrations have taken place outside Tesla factories and charging stations, with many criticizing Musk’s influence in Washington. While most of these protests have remained peaceful, some have escalated into property destruction, leading authorities to take the issue more seriously.
President Donald Trump has strongly condemned the attacks, warning that anyone caught sabotaging Tesla properties could face up to 20 years in prison. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump made it clear that law enforcement would aggressively pursue those involved in these crimes, including anyone financing or organizing the attacks.
His administration has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, treating the incidents as acts of domestic terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi has also spoken out against the attacks, calling them “deliberate criminal acts” and promising that the Department of Justice will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
Law enforcement officials have already arrested several individuals in connection with the attacks. In Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina, three suspects were charged after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla vehicles and vandalizing charging stations. In one case, authorities discovered graffiti containing profane messages against President Trump near a Tesla facility. Bondi warned that any further attacks would be met with severe consequences, emphasizing that damaging private property is a federal crime.
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended. Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of
Justice will put you behind bars:-ATTORNEY GENERAL PAMELA BONDI
MARCH 20, 2025But. You get pardoned if… pic.twitter.com/yQ5XVW4Fmo
— Agent Self FBI (@RetroAgent12) March 22, 2025
The Department of Justice has also raised concerns about the broader implications of treating these crimes as acts of domestic terrorism. Some civil liberties advocates argue that designating Tesla-related attacks as terrorism could give federal and local law enforcement agencies more authority to monitor and investigate protesters.
Under the Patriot Act, terrorism cases allow law enforcement to obtain search warrants that apply anywhere in the country. This means authorities can collect intelligence from a wider range of sources, including schools and other institutions. Critics worry that this level of surveillance could be used to track individuals who are simply protesting Musk’s government role, even if they have not committed any crimes.
Despite the ongoing violence, Tesla supporters have spoken out against the attacks. Many Tesla owners have expressed frustration over the targeting of the company’s properties, arguing that disagreements with Musk should not lead to vandalism and destruction. Theresa Ramsdell, president of the Tesla Owners of Washington State, defended Tesla employees and customers, saying, “People can disagree with Musk all they want, but burning cars and damaging businesses is not the way to handle it.” Many Tesla employees have also expressed concerns about their safety, especially as more attacks are reported.
The situation has intensified as grassroots movements organize protests against Musk and Tesla. A campaign called “Tesla Takedown” has gained traction, with hundreds of demonstrations planned at Tesla facilities across the country. Organizers say their goal is to protest Musk’s influence in government, but law enforcement officials fear that some protests could escalate into violence. While most demonstrations have remained peaceful, the recent rise in arson and vandalism has increased tensions between protesters and authorities.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now handling the investigation into Tesla-related attacks. This unit brings together agents from multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the military, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The task force has access to advanced surveillance tools, such as social media monitoring and facial recognition technology, to track down suspects.
🚨New announcement from the FBI on the Tesla terror attacks: pic.twitter.com/SESTwgd0cS
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 22, 2025
FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans has warned that those responsible for these crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He stressed that violent acts like arson and property destruction will not be tolerated and that authorities will use all available resources to bring perpetrators to justice.
The investigation has also raised concerns about whether Tesla executives will be given access to information gathered by the FBI. Former FBI special agent Michael German has noted that the FBI typically treats companies as crime victims in such cases, meaning they may receive updates and intelligence about ongoing investigations.
This has led to speculation about whether Musk and Tesla officials could gain privileged access to information about protesters, particularly if the government classifies the incidents as terrorism. While neither Tesla nor the Department of Justice has commented on this issue, civil rights advocates worry about potential overreach in the investigation.
The attacks on Tesla are part of a larger debate over Musk’s role in the government and the broader political climate in the United States. His position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency has sparked controversy, with some viewing his efforts as necessary cost-cutting measures while others see them as a power grab. The backlash against Musk has intensified as he pushes for major changes in government spending, leading to fears that his influence is extending beyond Tesla and into national policy decisions.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious behavior near Tesla properties. Law enforcement is particularly concerned about individuals attempting to gain access to restricted areas, surveying security measures, or discussing plans to target Tesla locations. The FBI is committed to preventing further attacks and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
The situation remains tense as Tesla faces both legal and political challenges. With ongoing protests and increasing scrutiny from the government, the future of the company and its relationship with law enforcement is uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the federal government is taking the attacks seriously and will continue to pursue those responsible. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the FBI can bring an end to this wave of vandalism and prevent further damage to Tesla’s operations across the country.
