Federal Agencies Mobilize Against Surge in Tesla-Related Violence

The FBI and ATF have formed a specialized task force to combat a surge of violent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and infrastructure across the country, with incidents being classified as acts of domestic terrorism potentially linked to Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s administration.

Key Takeaways

The FBI has documented 48 violent incidents against Tesla properties since March 1, 2025, including arson, vandalism, and shootings.
Federal authorities have designated these attacks as “domestic terrorism” and created a specialized task force with a command center to coordinate investigations.
Three arrests have already been made in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks on Tesla facilities in Oregon and Colorado.
The violence coincides with Elon Musk’s appointment to Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with Musk claiming the attacks stem from his efforts to eliminate government waste.
A coordinated “Tesla Takedown” movement has planned 500 demonstrations at Tesla locations nationwide for March 29, 2025.

Federal Task Force Formed as Violence Escalates

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a specialized task force in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to address the alarming increase in violent attacks against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging infrastructure. Since March 1, 2025, the FBI has received 48 reports related to Tesla violence and threats, with incidents spanning multiple states and involving arson, vandalism, and targeted shootings at Tesla properties.

FBI officials have created a threat tag and established a command post to streamline reports and coordinate investigative efforts. “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.

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

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) March 24, 2025

Incidents Classified as Domestic Terrorism

Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Justice Department have taken a strong stance on the matter, classifying the attacks as acts of domestic terrorism. “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said. The FBI is currently conducting seven arson investigations, with three arrests already made in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks in Oregon and Colorado.

One of the most concerning incidents occurred at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, where incendiary devices were discovered. Austin police responded to a call about suspicious devices around 8 a.m., prompting the deployment of the bomb squad and ATF agents. City Council Member Krista Laine condemned the violence, “I am incredibly thankful to our APD officers for their prompt response to this incident and quick resolution ensuring that no one was hurt,” expressed Laine.

Coordinated Anti-Tesla Movement Emerges

Federal investigators have identified a coordinated movement against Tesla, with a group called “Tesla Takedown” planning 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and Supercharger stations on March 29, 2025. Authorities also discovered a website featuring a map of Tesla locations with a Molotov cocktail cursor, raising concerns about organized violence. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies have increased security measures at Tesla facilities nationwide in response to these threats.

Musk Links Attacks to Government Efficiency Role

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has attributed the attacks to his involvement with President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), suggesting that his efforts to reduce government waste have made him a target. “It turns out when you take away people’s, you know, the money that they’re receiving fraudulently, they get very upset,” Musk said. “And they basically want to kill me because I’m stopping their fraud and they want to hurt Tesla because we’re stopping the terrible waste and corruption in the government.”

Musk also speculated about larger forces potentially coordinating the attacks, saying, “I think there are larger forces at work as well. I mean, who’s funding and who’s coordinating it? Because this is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this,” Musk speculated. The Tesla CEO’s wealth has reportedly decreased significantly during this period, with Bloomberg reporting a $130 billion loss since January 1. Despite the financial impact and security concerns, federal authorities remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the attacks.