The FBI has created a new task force to investigate a wave of violent attacks and vandalism targeting Tesla.
The move comes after multiple explosive devices were discovered at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas — the city where Tesla is headquartered.
These incidents are part of a larger pattern. Since the start of the year, at least 80 cases of arson or vandalism involving Tesla vehicles have been reported in the U.S. and Canada. Some protestors have demonstrated peacefully at Tesla showrooms, but others have caused serious damage — including a recent fire in Las Vegas where several Teslas were burned and someone spray-painted the word “RESIST” on the building.
The FBI is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to track down the people responsible. FBI Director Kash Patel called the situation “domestic terrorism” and warned that the agency is taking it seriously. “Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice,” he said in a post on X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO.
These attacks are tied to Musk’s role in the Trump administration’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is focused on slashing federal jobs and spending. Some believe Tesla is being targeted because of Musk’s political ties and influence, reports CNBC.
President Trump and others in his government have spoken out in support of Tesla. Trump even said he bought a Tesla Cybertruck for his granddaughter and told reporters he plans to buy one for himself. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock has dropped more than 40% since December, although it still trades above $270.
Over the weekend, tensions escalated further when a man in Florida was arrested for trying to drive into a group of Tesla protestors. He now faces charges of aggravated assault.
Despite all this, Tesla has not made any major public statements or sent out internal messages to employees since last week. Musk did address the violence during a company meeting, saying that anyone who burns Teslas is “psycho” and should “stop being psycho.”
For now, the FBI and ATF say their investigation is ongoing, and they’re treating the situation as a top priority.
