Attorney General Pam Bondi has called recent attacks on Tesla dealerships across the U.S. "domestic terrorism" aimed at Elon Musk. This statement comes as pressure mounts from Trump allies for the Justice Department to take strong action against these incidents.
In the last few weeks, several Tesla vehicles have been vandalized or damaged in various cities. These acts appear to be protests against Musk’s controversial plans to cut down the federal government and lay off employees. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported.
On Tuesday, five Tesla cars were damaged in Las Vegas in what local authorities described as a targeted attack. Bondi emphasized the seriousness of these incidents, stating, “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism.” She vowed that investigations would continue, aiming to hold accountable not just the vandals but also anyone who may be funding or coordinating these actions.
While there is no specific federal law that addresses domestic terrorism with defined penalties, the individuals involved could face charges under existing federal laws. Bondi did not detail what specific charges might be brought, but she noted that convictions could lead to prison sentences of at least five years.
Bondi’s comments align with those of former President Trump, who also labeled the vandalism as terrorism during a recent interview. He suggested, without evidence, that the attacks were funded by politically motivated individuals on the left. Congressional Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have urged Bondi to classify these attacks as domestic terrorism, especially after they blocked Democratic efforts in 2022 to pass laws addressing the rise of extremist groups.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are currently investigating the vandalism incidents. In one case, a woman was arrested for spray-painting anti-Musk messages on a Tesla facility in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. On the same day, a dealership in San Diego was vandalized with swastikas and other slogans.
Other Tesla locations have also faced attacks recently. In Kansas City, Missouri, authorities are looking into the vandalism of Cybertrucks at a Tesla dealership. Additionally, an unknown assailant fired shots at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, causing damage to both vehicles and windows.
As the investigations unfold, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for those involved in these troubling acts against Tesla and its properties.