Three individuals face serious charges for attacking Tesla properties with Molotov cocktails as Attorney General Pam Bondi declares war on what she calls “domestic terrorism” against Elon Musk’s company.
Quick Takes
- AG Bondi has charged three individuals for destroying Tesla cars and properties, labeling the acts as “domestic terrorism”.
- Suspects in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina used Molotov cocktails to attack Tesla dealerships and charging stations.
- The violence appears connected to opposition of Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration and his Department of Government Efficiency work.
- Defendants face minimum five-year sentences with potential for up to 20 years in prison.
- The #TeslaTakedown movement shows a shift in left-wing focus from Trump himself to prominent Trump allies.
DOJ Cracks Down on Tesla Attackers
Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced charges against three individuals accused of firebombing Tesla dealerships, damaging vehicles, and vandalizing charging stations across multiple states. “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,” declared Bondi while announcing the charges. The charges come amid a wave of anti-Tesla protests that have turned increasingly violent in recent weeks. While authorities have not released the names of those charged, they detailed incidents involving Molotov cocktails and destruction in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina. The Department of Justice appears determined to halt what it characterizes as organized attacks against Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company.
In Salem, Oregon, one individual was arrested while armed with a suppressed AR-15 rifle after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership. Another suspect was apprehended in Loveland, Colorado, for attempting to set Tesla vehicles on fire, while a third was taken into custody in Charleston, South Carolina, after writing anti-Trump messages and setting Tesla charging stations ablaze. These incidents represent the most serious cases in what officials say is a growing pattern of targeted attacks.
Today, Pam Bondi announced charges against three individuals responsible for the horrific destruction of Tesla properties. Let’s hope they can get to the billionaires who
Paid for it as well! pic.twitter.com/7aIh2F5SDj— 🌹🦋🇺🇸Michele🇺🇸🦋🌹 (@MAJMO50) March 20, 2025
From Protest to ‘Domestic Terrorism’
Attorney General Bondi didn’t mince words when addressing the alleged perpetrators and potential copycats. She characterized the destruction as domestic terrorism rather than legitimate protest, signaling the administration’s intent to pursue maximum penalties. The defendants face charges carrying minimum five-year sentences with possible terms up to 20 years in prison. Law enforcement officials hope these steep potential consequences will deter others from joining the #TeslaTakedown movement, which has gained traction among some left-wing activists.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have launched comprehensive investigations into these incidents, treating them as serious federal crimes rather than mere vandalism. While many protests against Tesla have remained peaceful, authorities note a disturbing increase in property destruction and potential threats to public safety. The severity of the response signals the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to politically motivated property destruction, regardless of the target.
Political Motivations Behind the Attacks
The surge in anti-Tesla violence appears connected to Elon Musk’s increasing role within the Trump administration, particularly his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As DOGE uncovers wasteful government spending, some critics have redirected their opposition from Trump himself to Musk and his business interests. The attacks have coincided with declining Tesla sales and stock performance, creating additional challenges for the electric vehicle manufacturer beyond the physical damages.
President Trump’s spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration’s position, stating that the president “will ensure that the harshest penalties are pursued for those who are engaging in this vicious violence.” The White House has framed these attacks not as political protest but as criminal acts that threaten both property and potentially human lives. The swift federal response demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting businesses from politically motivated attacks, regardless of the perpetrators’ stated motivations.
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Bondi, citing ‘domestic terrorism,’ announces charges for Tesla attacks
Three charged in arson attacks on Tesla properties
New: AG Bondi Announces ‘Severe Charges’ in Tesla Arson Cases
