A recent surge in attacks targeting Tesla has prompted the FBI to establish a dedicated task force, aiming to investigate a series of violent incidents. In partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the task force was announced following the discovery of incendiary devices at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, where the company is headquartered.
This latest incident is part of a broader trend of vandalism and arson against Tesla properties. With at least 80 reported cases across the U.S. and Canada, these actions are tied to tensions surrounding CEO Elon Musk and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Protests have also occurred at Tesla showrooms, raising concerns.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency’s intensified efforts to combat the uptick in violence, branding it as domestic terrorism. His statement emphasized the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, while Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed the sentiment, promising that “justice is coming.”
Tesla’s vice president of Environment, Health and Safety, Laurie Shelby, has yet to comment on the company’s specific protective measures. Musk, however, addressed the situation during a recent Tesla event, acknowledging the severity of the vandalism. He dismissed the perpetrators as “psycho” and urged them to stop their actions.
As attacks continue, public figures including former President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have condemned the violence, defending Tesla and its operations. Trump also proposed that offenders serve their sentences in foreign prisons, further highlighting the gravity of the situation.
In addition to the violence, stock prices have taken a hit, closing at $278.39 per share, down over 40% from the previous year’s high. Meanwhile, a man was arrested in Florida for allegedly driving his car toward protesters outside a Tesla showroom, adding another layer of controversy to the ongoing conflict.
A group called “Tesla Takedown” has called for protests outside nearly 300 Tesla showrooms across the U.S., citing concerns about Musk’s influence and actions. Despite claims of non-violence, the group remains steadfast in its position against the CEO’s policies and actions.
