Agencies Unite to Tackle Emerging Threats Targeting Tesla Operations

The FBI and ATF have formed a special task force to combat a surge of violent attacks against Tesla vehicles and facilities labeled as domestic terrorism, with 48 reported incidents since March 1st.

Key Takeaways

The FBI and ATF have established a joint task force to address violent attacks on Tesla properties, including vandalism, arson, and shootings.
Since March 1, 2025, law enforcement has received 48 reports related to Tesla violence and has made three arrests in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks.
The attacks coincide with Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
A group called “Tesla Takedown” is planning 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and charging stations on March 29, 2025.
Federal authorities are officially treating these incidents as acts of domestic terrorism, with Attorney General Pam Bondi announcing charges against suspects in arson cases.

Federal Response to Mounting Tesla Attacks

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to establish a dedicated task force addressing the alarming rise in attacks against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging infrastructure across the country. The FBI has created a specific threat tag and command post to streamline reports and coordinate investigative efforts. FBI spokesman Ben Williamson confirmed the agency’s commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice. “As always, Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino have been adamant about responsiveness to agents on the ground and providing them the resources they need to serve Americans. This Task Force is just the latest move in coordinating our efforts to ensure those who violently attack Tesla will be pursued and brought to justice,” said Williamson.

The federal response comes as law enforcement has documented 48 reports related to Tesla violence since March 1. With seven arson investigations pending and three arrests already made in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks in Oregon and Colorado, authorities are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been unequivocal in her assessment, officially designating these attacks as “domestic terrorism.”

🚨BREAKING: MULTIPLE BOMBS WERE JUST FOUND AT A TESLA DEALERSHIP IN AUSTIN, TEXAS ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/wjpI3u9O3L

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) March 24, 2025

Pattern of Escalating Violence

The violence against Tesla has manifested in various forms, from vandalism and property destruction to more dangerous acts of arson and firearm attacks. Most recently, incendiary devices were discovered at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, prompting an immediate response from local police, bomb squad specialists, and ATF agents. The suspicious devices were safely removed by authorities without incident around 8 a.m., preventing potential casualties or significant property damage.

Even more concerning is the apparent coordination behind these attacks. Federal investigators have identified a website featuring a map of Tesla locations with a Molotov cocktail cursor, seemingly designed to guide potential attackers. Additionally, a group identifying as “Tesla Takedown” has announced plans for 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and Supercharger stations on March 29, 2025, raising fears of further violence.

Political Dimensions of the Attacks

The timing of the attacks coincides with Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has been tasked with identifying and eliminating wasteful government spending. Musk has suggested this connection is not coincidental, asserting that his efforts to cut waste have made him a target and sparked retaliation against his company.

President Donald Trump has echoed Bondi’s assessment, labeling the violence against Tesla as domestic terrorism. Meanwhile, Musk has expressed shock at what he describes as “hatred and violence from the left,” questioning whether larger forces might be coordinating the attacks. The Tesla CEO’s wealth has reportedly decreased by approximately $130 billion since January 1, according to Bloomberg, adding a financial dimension to the ongoing situation.

Local Officials Respond

Local officials in affected areas have condemned the violence while working to ensure public safety. In Austin, City Council Member Krista Laine expressed gratitude for the prompt response by police to the incendiary device incident and is in discussions with APD Chief Lisa Davis about protective measures against future escalations. While peaceful protests against Musk and the Trump administration have occurred outside the Austin showroom previously, these recent violent incidents represent a dangerous escalation.

With the joint FBI-ATF task force now operational and federal resources mobilized, authorities aim to identify those responsible for the attacks and prevent further incidents. The investigation continues as law enforcement agencies at all levels coordinate their efforts to address what has become a nationwide security concern with significant political and economic implications.