Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against three individuals for violent attacks on Tesla properties as leftist activists shift their focus from targeting President Trump to Elon Musk and his business ventures.
Quick Takes
- Three individuals face serious charges including “domestic terrorism” for firebombing Tesla dealerships and charging stations.
- The attacks coincide with growing leftist opposition to Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- Attorney General Pam Bondi warned perpetrators could face minimum five-year prison sentences, with maximum penalties up to 20 years.
- One suspect was arrested with a suppressed AR-15 rifle after attacking a Tesla dealership in Oregon.
- The #TeslaTakedown movement has impacted Tesla’s sales and stock performance as protesters target Musk’s alliance with President Trump.
Bondi Cracks Down on “Domestic Terrorism” Against Tesla
The Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi has taken decisive action against what she termed “domestic terrorism” targeting Tesla properties across the nation. “Let this be a warning, if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,” declared Bondi during the announcement. Three individuals now face federal charges for allegedly firebombing Tesla dealerships, vehicles, and charging stations in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina. While the DOJ has not released the names of those charged, the incidents involved Molotov cocktails and explicit anti-Trump and anti-Musk messages. One suspect was apprehended in Salem, Oregon, in possession of a suppressed AR-15 rifle after allegedly throwing incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership.
Each defendant faces penalties ranging from a mandatory five-year minimum sentence to up to 20 years in prison. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have joined forces to investigate the growing number of attacks, treating them as serious threats to public safety and private enterprise.
Today, Pam Bondi announced charges against three individuals responsible for the horrific destruction of Tesla properties. Let’s hope they can get to the billionaires who
Paid for it as well! pic.twitter.com/7aIh2F5SDj— 🌹🦋🇺🇸Michele🇺🇸🦋🌹 (@MAJMO50) March 20, 2025
From Trump to Musk: The Shifting Target of Leftist Groups
The surge in anti-Tesla violence appears to coincide with a strategic shift among some leftist activist groups, who have redirected their focus from President Trump to Elon Musk. This redirection comes as Musk has taken on a significant role as a senior adviser in the Trump administration, particularly through his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The DOGE initiative, designed to streamline government operations and reduce wasteful spending, has reportedly caused concern among Democrats and progressive organizations who view these efforts as threats to established programs.
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” declared the Attorney General in a statement that highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to politically motivated violence.
The #TeslaTakedown Movement
What began as predominantly peaceful protests at Tesla showrooms has evolved into the #TeslaTakedown movement, with instances of vandalism and destruction increasing nationwide. Protesters have targeted Tesla’s brand specifically because of Musk’s association with President Trump, resulting in measurable impacts on the company’s sales figures and stock performance. While most demonstrations remain within legal boundaries, the recent escalation to arson and property destruction has drawn swift condemnation from the White House and prompted federal intervention.
Federal Response to Mounting Violence
The string of incidents has prompted a coordinated federal response. In Colorado, an individual was arrested for attempting to light Tesla vehicles on fire at a dealership in Loveland. In Charleston, South Carolina, another suspect was taken into custody after writing anti-Trump messages and setting Tesla charging stations ablaze. According to DOJ officials, these actions represent a dangerous escalation beyond protected speech or peaceful protest. President Trump has denounced the violence, with his administration vowing strict penalties for those responsible.
The swift federal response, with its potential for significant jail time, may serve as a deterrent against future acts of vandalism. As Elon Musk continues his work with the DOGE initiative to identify and eliminate government waste, the intersection of business interests and political activism remains contentious. However, the Justice Department’s message is clear: political disagreements must be expressed within the bounds of lawful protest, not through destructive or violent means.
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Bondi, citing ‘domestic terrorism,’ announces charges for Tesla attacks
Three charged in arson attacks on Tesla properties
New: AG Bondi Announces ‘Severe Charges’ in Tesla Arson Cases
