The FBI has announced the formation of a task force aimed at addressing a rise in violent attacks against Tesla, following numerous incidents targeting the electric vehicle manufacturer. Reports of vandalism and violence against Tesla’s cars and facilities, including charging stations and dealerships, have been occurring for several months. Protests at Tesla showrooms have further escalated tensions, with criticism directed towards CEO Elon Musk, who has been actively influencing federal policies under the Trump administration.
Over the weekend, the FBI issued a public alert encouraging vigilance regarding potential attacks on Tesla properties and personnel. This initiative will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate these anti-Tesla acts, which have recently included incidents involving incendiary devices. The Department of Justice has also committed to tackling the surge in these attacks, categorising some incidents as domestic terrorism.
FBI Director Kash Patel underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that those responsible for such acts will face the full extent of the law. In a notable violent incident, a person set fire to several Tesla vehicles at a repair facility in Las Vegas, resulting in heightened security measures. Musk himself has labelled the shooting and vandalism as acts of terrorism, maintaining that Tesla is simply a manufacturer of electric cars and does not deserve such assaults.
The FBI has not disclosed the size of the newly established task force, but reports suggest a growing network of local protesters across 28 states and Washington, DC. Among these demonstrators, Joan Donovan, an organiser of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, has faced harassment and threats, asserting that she is being targeted for her participation in protests against Tesla’s business practices.
As authorities step up their response, police in Austin recently removed suspicious incendiary devices from a Tesla dealership, a reflection of the ongoing risks associated with these attacks. The FBI noted that similar incidents—characterised by arson and vandalism—have affected Tesla locations across at least nine states, suggesting a trend of targeting perceived political opponents or making statements against various figures.
Additionally, individual Tesla owners are reporting personal incidents of vandalism, with accounts emerging of damaged vehicles in multiple locations. One owner in Kansas discovered significant scratches on her Tesla after dining out, highlighting a troubling pattern of hostility directed at Tesla customers. These incidents further demonstrate the wider implications of the unrest surrounding Tesla and its leadership amid a politically charged atmosphere.