Joint FBI and ATF Effort Targets Surge in Tesla-Related Attacks

Person wearing jacket with "FBI" in yellow letters.

Federal authorities have formed a joint FBI-ATF task force to combat what they’re calling “domestic terrorism” against Tesla properties, with dozens of violent incidents reported nationwide following Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Quick Takes

The FBI has documented 48 reports of violence against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations since March 1, 2025.
Attacks include vandalism, arson with Molotov cocktails, and shootings at Tesla facilities across multiple states.
Federal authorities believe the violence is politically motivated and linked to Elon Musk’s work with the Trump administration.
Three arrests have been made so far for arson attacks in Oregon and Colorado.
Tesla Takedown protesters have announced plans for 500 demonstrations at Tesla locations on March 29, 2025.

FBI and ATF Join Forces Against “Domestic Terrorism”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a dedicated task force in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to address escalating violence targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging infrastructure. According to FBI spokesman Ben Williamson, the initiative is designed to coordinate response efforts across multiple jurisdictions as attacks spread to at least nine states. The agency has established a central command post and created a specialized threat tag to streamline reporting and investigation processes nationwide. “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 FBI spokesman Ben Williamson.

Since March 1, federal authorities have received 48 reports related to Tesla violence and threats, with seven active arson investigations currently underway. The attacks have included vandalism, firebombings with Molotov cocktails, and even shootings directed at Tesla showrooms and service centers. Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled these coordinated attacks as “domestic terrorism,” with charges already filed against three suspects in connection with arson cases in Oregon and Colorado.

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

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) March 24, 2025

Incendiary Devices Found at Austin Showroom

In a disturbing escalation, suspicious incendiary devices were discovered at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, prompting immediate response from local police and bomb squad units. Austin police officers responded to the call around 8 a.m., working alongside ATF agents to safely remove the devices without incident. The Austin location holds particular significance as Tesla’s headquarters city, raising concerns about potential targeting of high-profile Tesla facilities.

While non-violent protests have occurred outside the Austin showroom against Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, authorities are treating the incendiary devices as part of the broader pattern of organized violence. The incident highlights the heightened security concerns for Tesla facilities nationwide as threats continue to emerge, with federal officials actively monitoring online chatter for potential coordination of future attacks.

Musk Links Attacks to Government Efficiency Role

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has attributed the surge in violence against his company to his appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in President Trump’s administration. Musk claims that his efforts to eliminate government waste and fraudulent spending have provoked retaliation against both himself and Tesla. The timing of the attacks, which escalated shortly after Musk’s appointment, appears to support this connection to political grievances.

Federal investigators have identified a website featuring a map of Tesla locations accompanied by a Molotov cocktail cursor icon, which may be facilitating coordination of these attacks. Additionally, a group called “Tesla Takedown” has announced plans for 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and Supercharger stations scheduled for March 29, 2025. While the announced protests claim to be peaceful, authorities remain vigilant about the potential for further violence amid growing online rhetoric against Tesla and its CEO.