Attorney General Pam Bondi has warned that those targeting Tesla properties will face severe legal consequences for what she deems “domestic terrorism.” In a press release on Thursday, Bondi announced criminal charges against three individuals accused of orchestrating coordinated attacks on Tesla dealerships and charging stations using Molotov cocktails.
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi said. “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.” The suspects, arrested in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina, face felony charges that could result in prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the crimes were politically motivated, noting the suspects’ opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The latest arrests come amid a surge in vandalism and threats against Tesla, largely driven by Musk’s political involvement. Protest groups, including the so-called “Tesla Takedown” movement, have organized boycotts and demonstrations, with some actions escalating into violent acts. Recent incidents include an attack in Las Vegas, Nevada, where several Tesla vehicles were set on fire outside a service center and the building was spray-painted with “RESIST.” In Seattle, Washington, four Cybertrucks were torched in a dealership lot, and in Tigard, Oregon, gunfire caused damage to a Tesla showroom.
Additionally, a website called “DogeQuest” has emerged, publishing personal information of Tesla owners and employees linked to DOGE. The site features an interactive map with a Molotov cocktail cursor, fueling fears of potential violence against private citizens. Although the accuracy of the leaked data is unconfirmed, its presence has intensified security concerns. Tesla drivers have also reported harassment, with some even opting to cover their Tesla logos with emblems from other brands to avoid being targeted.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal the strategies owners are adopting to protect themselves and their vehicles. The increase in vandalism has led to financial repercussions, with insurance premiums for Tesla vehicles soaring due to the heightened risk, and resale values falling as some owners try to distance themselves from the controversy surrounding the brand.
“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said in a statement Tuesday. “The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences.”
