Recent attacks on Tesla vehicles and facilities across the United States have escalated into a dangerous pattern of violence, with officials labeling these acts as domestic terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attacks as “nothing short of domestic terrorism” and announced federal charges against three suspects involved in arson, vandalism, and shootings targeting Tesla properties.
Since January 2025, over a dozen incidents have occurred nationwide:
– Five Teslas were set ablaze at a Las Vegas collision center, where the word “RESIST” was spray-painted on the building and shots were fired at vehicles.
– Two Tesla Cybertrucks burned at a Kansas City dealership after suspected arson.
– Shootings damaged dealerships in Oregon and Massachusetts, with over a dozen bullets striking showrooms and vehicles.
– Charging stations in South Carolina and Massachusetts were targeted with Molotov cocktails and graffiti, including messages like “Long Live Ukraine” and anti-Trump slogans.
The Department of Justice charged three individuals:
– (Colorado): Accused of using Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership, facing up to 30 years in prison.
– (South Carolina): Charged with arson after allegedly firebombing charging stations.
– (Oregon): Linked to multiple attacks involving explosives and gunfire.
All face mandatory minimum sentences of five years, with some charges carrying up to 20–30 years.
Experts like Bruce Hoffman (Council on Foreign Relations) argue these attacks meet the definition of domestic terrorism due to their political motives. Though no federal domestic terrorism law exists, the DOJ is prosecuting under statutes related to arson, explosives, and interstate commerce. Bondi warned perpetrators would face “severe consequences,” including those funding or coordinating attacks.
Elon Musk attributed the violence to opposition against his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), calling perpetrators “terrorists” and questioning the hostility toward his companies. Tesla’s stock has plunged nearly 48% this year amid protests and executive stock sell-offs.
These attacks highlight escalating tensions over Musk’s political alignment, with critics blaming his government work for damaging Tesla’s brand. The DOJ’s aggressive prosecutions aim to deter further violence, signaling that politically motivated property destruction will be treated as terrorism.
