WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The U.S. Justice Department is investigating the recent violent attacks on Tesla cars and dealerships, with Attorney General Pam Bondi labeling them “domestic terrorism.” 

In just the past few weeks there have been reports of Teslas set on fire in Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Seattle, a dealership shot in Portland, and cars graffitied in San Diego County. Those are just a few examples of the violent attacks happening across the country aimed at the electric car company owned by controversial billionaire Elon Musk. 

“We certainly think it’s despicable the violence, that is taking place against Tesla,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. 

The White House and President Donald Trump have repeatedly defended Musk, who has sparked controversy with his sweeping cuts to the federal government. 

George Washington University Professor and Political ethics expert Peter Loge says this is not a new phenomenon. 

“Violent protest has been part of politics since the start of politics,” Loge said. “It’s the wrong thing to do. It’s dangerous and it’s counterproductive. You don’t make a lot of friends by blowing stuff up.”

Loge says the protests demonstrate how concerned people are about Musk’s political involvement.  

“As long as Elon Musk is doing political things that anger consumers, consumers will take out that anger on his products,” Loge said. 

The targeted attacks are happening so frequently that the U.S. Justice Department is now getting involved. 

On Tuesday night Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement, saying, “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind (…) We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks” 

There have also been non-violent protests, with people around the world taking part in marches and boycotts aimed at Tesla. 

“Most of the protests have been peaceful, and peaceful protesters are the background soundtrack of democracy,” Loge said. 

Loge says those peaceful demonstrations can be productive. 

“Protests can draw attention, create space for a conversation, let’s have that conversation. Protests should not be violent. Violent protestors should obviously face legal consequences,” Loge said.