The FBI announced on Monday the creation of a task force aimed at “cracking down on violent Tesla attacks,” following a series of incidents targeting Elon Musk’s electric car manufacturer.
Acts of violence and vandalism have been occurring for months against Tesla vehicles and facilities, such as charging stations, alongside protests at Tesla showrooms criticizing Musk, who is leading the Trump administration’s controversial efforts to downsize the federal government’s workforce and shrink federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency.
Over the weekend, the FBI also urged the public to watch for signs of attacks on Tesla dealerships or Tesla-related entities, including someone surveilling or attempting to break into Tesla properties or making online threats against the company.
The new task force will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate anti-Tesla attacks, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson stated in a post on X.
The Justice Department recently announced it will crack down on the increasing number of attacks against Tesla, including charging individuals accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at the automaker’s properties.
“This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on Monday.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also described the anti-Tesla acts as “domestic terrorism” last week, after a person dressed in black shot and set fire to
