The announcement followed the discovery of several “incendiary devices” by a bomb squad at an Austin, Texas, dealership.
The FBI has formed a specialized task force to combat a rise in violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the country. These acts, including arson and vandalism, have been officially designated as “domestic terrorism.”
According to the New York Post on Monday, the new 10-member task force includes members from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and intelligence analysts. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency’s dedication to public safety and accountability in response to the report.
“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response,” Patel said in a post on X. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”
The FBI is also monitoring a planned protest called “Tesla Takedown,” scheduled for March 29, which aims to organize demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and charging stations throughout the nation.
President Trump has condemned the attacks and suggested severe penalties, including 20-year prison sentences in El Salvador’s notorious mega prison for perpetrators.
Attorney General Pam Bondi supported the president’s position, stating that the Department of Justice will impose “severe consequences” on those involved, including individuals who coordinate or fund such crimes. As of Monday, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
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