FBI Launches Task Force to Investigate Tesla Attacks, Director Labels Incidents “Domestic Terrorism”
Federal authorities have established a task force to probe a series of recent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and retail locations. The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has characterized these incidents as “domestic terrorism,” signaling a significant escalation in the official response to the escalating acts of vandalism and arson.
FBI Intensifies Response to Tesla Attacks
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on social media platform X on Monday that the agency is intensifying its efforts to address the rising tide of violent activities directed at Tesla. “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 stated. He further emphasized the gravity of the situation, declaring, “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”
Deputy Director of the FBI, Dan Bongino, echoed this sentiment in a post on X, stating, “Justice is coming.”
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Tesla CEO and owner of X, Elon Musk, who is also involved in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency cost-reduction initiative, responded to Bongino’s message with supportive emojis.
Multi-Agency Collaboration to “Crackdown” on Violence
Ben Williamson, the FBI’s assistant director for public affairs, clarified that the newly formed task force will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to “crackdown” on the violent acts targeting Tesla.
Incendiary Devices Found at Austin Tesla Showroom
The announcement of the task force coincided with the discovery of multiple incendiary devices at a Tesla showroom in Austin. The incident occurred hours before the task force was revealed to the public.
Austin Police Respond to Suspicious Devices
Austin police responded to a call at a Tesla dealership around 8:00 a.m. on Monday following reports of suspicious devices. The police department’s bomb squad examined the devices and determined them to be incendiary before safely removing them. Authorities reported no injuries or property damage as a result of the incident. The FBI is currently leading the inquiry into this event.
Tesla’s corporate headquarters are situated in Austin, adding local significance to the attacks in the city.
Political Reactions to Tesla Attacks
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton attributed the attacks on Tesla to “radical liberals” in a statement released on X on Monday. He offered his assistance in ensuring the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted, stating, “I stand ready to assist in any way to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
Protests and Vandalism Target Tesla and Musk’s Policies
Recent weeks have witnessed demonstrations across the nation protesting Musk’s political views and actions associated with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative has faced criticism since January for implementing government cost reductions and workforce reductions impacting thousands of federal employees.
Beyond peaceful demonstrations, there have been at least 80 reported instances of vandalism or arson targeting Tesla vehicles across the U.S. and Canada. Vandals have targeted at least 10 Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and facilities, with many incidents involving vehicles being set ablaze.
Florida Incident: Driver Arrested After Near-Miss at Protest
During the weekend, in Florida, law enforcement arrested a man and charged him with assault following an incident where he allegedly drove his vehicle toward a group of protestors gathered outside a Tesla dealership. The vehicle narrowly missed the protestors, and no injuries were reported.
Social media postings suggested that the suspect, Andrew Dutil, is a supporter of former President Trump.
“Tesla Takedown” Group Organizes Peaceful Protests
A group identifying itself as “Tesla Takedown” has been organizing peaceful rallies at Tesla dealerships. This group describes its movement as peaceful and explicitly opposes violence, vandalism, and property destruction.
Joan Donovan, a primary organizer of the protests, explained the group’s objective to NBC’s Liz Kruetz, stating their goal is “to do something to call attention to Musk to try to get him to leave his post in government.”
Tesla Stock Performance and Trump’s Support for Musk
According to CNBC, Tesla stock has experienced a decline of more than 40% from its high point in December.
In a display of support for Musk, President Donald Trump recently appeared alongside him at a White House event. The event showcased Tesla vehicles to members of the media. Trump mentioned purchasing a Tesla Cybertruck for his granddaughter, Kai Trump.