Attorney General Calls Tesla Arson Attacks ‘Domestic Terrorism’
Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled the recent arsons and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles as “nothing short of domestic terrorism,” promising severe penalties for those apprehended. The attacks, many of which have occurred since Tesla CEO Elon Musk took on a role in the White House, have prompted investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies.
The word “RESIST” spray-painted on the doors of a Tesla facility. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
The White House also commented on the situation. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the vandalism, calling it “despicable.” She added, “Democrats were big supporters of Tesla and of electric vehicles until Elon Musk decided to vote for Donald Trump. So we would like Democrats to also come out and condemn this heinous violence that we have seen.”
Bondi’s and Leavitt’s statements follow the latest incident where five Tesla vehicles were damaged in a fire at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, this was the most recent in a series of attacks against the electric vehicle company.
“This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility,” stated Dori Koren, assistant sheriff for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Alongside the burned vehicles, authorities found the word “RESIST” spray-painted across the facility’s doors, and three shots were fired at additional Teslas. Police say that the suspect, who wore black clothing, is believed to have used Molotov cocktails and a firearm during the attack. Officials noted that an individual had “set several vehicles on fire in the parking lot and caused damage to the property.”
Police and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating the incident, which they believe was isolated. Authorities are still searching for a suspect.
In Kansas City, Missouri, two Tesla Cybertrucks also caught fire at a dealership on Monday evening, according to the Kansas City Police Department. Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations have been vandalized, suffered arson, and faced protests in recent weeks since Elon Musk began his work at the White House, spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In a released statement, Bondi said, “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism.” She indicated that the Justice Department is charging some perpetrators under laws that carry a five-year mandatory minimum sentence.
“We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes,” Bondi stated.
A police officer in Kansas spotted smoke coming from a Cybertruck at a Tesla dealership shortly before midnight. The officer tried to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher, but the fire spread to a second Cybertruck. The Kansas City Fire Department’s bomb and arson unit responded to the scene, and they were able to put out the flames. Police indicated in a statement that the fire is preliminarily being investigated as potential arson, but no arrests have been made.
Similar incidents have been reported across the country in recent weeks. Last week, at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, “more than a dozen” shots were fired. Additionally, three Teslas were vandalized in Dedham, Massachusetts, on March 11. Officials reported that “words had been spray-painted” on two Tesla Cybertrucks, and all four tires of the trucks and a Tesla Model S were damaged.
ATF investigators inspect burned Tesla Cybertrucks at a Tesla lot in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson/AP)
Earlier this month, a Tesla charging station in South Carolina was targeted. An individual spray-painted an expletive directed at President Trump and “LONG LIVE UKRAINE” on the ground in red paint before throwing homemade Molotov cocktails at the station, according to the North Charleston Police Department. Federal agents arrested 24-year-old Daniel Clarke-Pounder in connection with the incident, charging him with arson of property in interstate commerce.
During a search of his apartment, agents found a handwritten three-page statement that expressed anti-government beliefs and statements opposing DOGE. Court records state, “The statement made mention of sending a message based on these beliefs and was signed with the initials ‘DC.'”
Protests against the company have also taken place at dealerships nationwide. According to Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, the demonstrations and the company’s declining stock prices – which have dropped nearly 48% this year – can all “be tied to [Musk’s] time at DOGE.”
“It has been a distraction for the company and it’s been a problem for the brand,” Frerichs said.
In recent weeks, four top company officers have sold off $100 million in stock, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
On Monday, Musk, who owns X, stated that his companies “make great products that people love and I’ve never physically hurt anyone, so why the hate and violence against me?” He added, “Because I am a deadly threat to the woke mind parasite and the humans it controls.”
Musk has also reposted reactions that criticized previous Tesla attacks, including one that described those responsible for the Las Vegas attack as “terrorists and should be treated accordingly.”
A spokesperson for Tesla did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
