FBI launches task force to crack down on attacks against Tesla
Share and Follow

The FBI has launched a task force to investigate a spate of recent attacks targeting Tesla cars and dealerships, as the agency’s director calls such acts “domestic terrorism.”

“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X on Monday. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”

“Justice is coming,” Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI, wrote on X. 

Elon Musk, who owns Tesla and X and is overseeing the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency cost-cutting initiative, replied to Bongino with fire emojis. 

Ben Williamson, the FBI’s assistant director for public affairs, said the new task force would work with the ATF to “crackdown” on violent Tesla attacks.

The news of the task force’s formation came just hours after multiple incendiary devices were found at a Tesla showroom in Austin.

In an aerial view, a Tesla dealership.
A Tesla dealership after police were called for a suspicious device on March 24 in Austin.Brandon Bell / Getty Images

Austin police responded to a Tesla dealership around 8 a.m. on Monday and found suspicious devices. The force’s bomb squad determined the devices “to be incendiary” before they were removed. No injuries or damage were reported and the FBI is leading the investigation.

Tesla’s headquarters is located in Austin. 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday blamed the Tesla attacks on “radical liberals.” “I stand ready to assist in any way to bring these perpetrators to justice,” he wrote on X. 

Several protests across the country in recent weeks have opposed Musk’s politics and actions with DOGE, which has faced scrutiny since January for reducing government costs and firing thousands of federal workers.

In addition to peaceful protests, there have been at least 80 reported cases of vandalism or arson of Tesla vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. At least 10 Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and facilities have been hit by vandals, many of whom have lit cars on fire.

Over the weekend, a man in Florida was arrested and charged with assault after he allegedly drove his car toward a crowd of people protesting outside a Tesla dealership and narrowly avoided them. No one was injured in the incident.

The suspect, Andrew Dutil, appeared to be a Trump supporter based on his social media posts.

A group called Tesla Takedown has been leading peaceful protests rallying at the car dealerships. The group describes itself as a peaceful protest movement that opposes violence, vandalism, and destruction of property. 

“It is to do something to call attention to Musk to try to get him to leave his post in government,” Joan Donovan, one of the original protest organizers, told NBC’s Liz Kruetz on the group’s cause.

Tesla stock is down more than 40% from a high in December, according to CNBC.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has made a show of supporting Musk. Earlier this month, both appeared together at an event on the White House lawn, showing off Tesla vehicles to reporters. Trump said he purchased a Tesla Cybertruck for his granddaughter, Kai Trump.


Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Is Amanda Seyfried at risk of being cancelled?

Could Amanda Seyfried Face Cancellation? Here’s What’s Happening

Amanda Seyfried’s demeanor at the Golden Globes on Sunday sparked conversation, as…
Former Navy SEAL convicted for trying to harm police with explosives during California 'No Kings' protests

Ex-Navy SEAL Found Guilty in Explosive Attack on Police at California ‘No Kings’ Protests

A federal jury has found a former U.S. Navy SEAL guilty of…
Lawyers say DC pipe bomb suspect Brian Cole Jr deserves a Jan 6 pardon

Legal Team Advocates for January 6 Pardon of DC Pipe Bomb Suspect Brian Cole Jr

Attorneys representing Brian J. Cole Jr., the suspect in the DC pipe…
Village of La Grange, Illinois board approves developer's controversial plan to convert Jackson Square Mall into condos

La Grange Village Board Greenlights Controversial Condo Project at Jackson Square Mall Site

The La Grange Village Board has given the green light to a…
Pope Leo XIV meets with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado in a surprise audience

Pope Leo XIV Holds Unscheduled Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado

In a private audience at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Leo XIV…
California voter ID law hits 1 million signatures, organizer says

California Voter ID Initiative Reaches Milestone with 1 Million Signatures, Organizer Reports

LOS ANGELES — A proposed statewide measure mandating voters to present photo…
DOJ charges illegal immigrant with Tren de Aragua ties after Border Patrol shooting in Portland

DOJ Indicts Suspected Tren de Aragua Member After Portland Border Patrol Shooting Involving Illegal Immigrant

A Venezuelan national, allegedly linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang,…
Cruise hit by brutal outbreak of 'rib-cracking' stomach virus

Shocking Stomach Virus Outbreak Rocks Luxury Cruise: What You Need to Know

Passengers aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship have been struck by…