New Task Force Launched to Address Rising Attacks on Tesla Dealerships

Person wearing FBI jacket with yellow lettering

As a wave of politically motivated attacks targets Tesla vehicles and facilities across the country, the FBI and ATF have formed a special task force to combat what officials are now calling “domestic terrorism.”

Quick Takes

The FBI and ATF have created a joint task force to address a surge in violence against Tesla properties, including arson, shootings, and vandalism.
Officials have documented 48 reports related to Tesla violence since March 1, 2025, with three arrests made for Molotov cocktail attacks.
The attacks appear connected to Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled the coordinated attacks as “domestic terrorism”.
A planned “Tesla Takedown” with 500 demonstrations and an online map marking Tesla locations with Molotov cocktail cursor have heightened concerns.

FBI and ATF Launch Coordinated Response

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a specialized task force in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to address the escalating violence targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the United States. The task force was formed after federal authorities received 48 reports of Tesla-related attacks since March 1, including incidents of arson, targeted shootings, and vandalism. FBI spokesman Ben Williamson confirmed the creation of this initiative, noting that Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino are responding to agents’ requests for resources to combat this specific threat pattern. “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 Williamson.

To streamline reporting and improve coordination, the FBI has established a specific threat tag and command post focused exclusively on these attacks. Currently, seven arson investigations are ongoing, with three arrests already made related to Molotov cocktail attacks in Oregon and Colorado. The task force is working alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify patterns and prevent future incidents.

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

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) March 24, 2025

Political Motivation Behind the Attacks

The timing of these attacks coincides with Elon Musk’s involvement in President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), suggesting a political motivation behind the violence. Both Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump have labeled the coordinated attacks as “domestic terrorism.” Bondi announced charges against three suspects in connection with the arson cases, emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to pursuing those responsible.

Musk himself has expressed shock over the intensity of the attacks, attributing them to frustration over his efforts to eliminate government waste. In recent statements, he suggested that the attacks might be linked to larger coordinated efforts beyond individual actors. Musk has seen his personal wealth decline by approximately $130 billion since January 1, according to Bloomberg, though the connection between this financial shift and the attacks remains unclear.

Recent Incidents and Organized Threats

Among the most concerning recent incidents was the discovery of incendiary devices at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas. Austin police responded to a call about suspicious devices, prompting intervention from the bomb squad and ATF agents. Fortunately, the devices were secured without incident, and no injuries were reported. City Council Member Krista Laine condemned the violence while expressing relief that no one was hurt.

Adding to the concern is the emergence of organized anti-Tesla activities. A group known as “Tesla Takedown” has announced plans for 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and Supercharger stations on March 29, 2025. Additionally, authorities have identified a website featuring a map of Tesla locations with a Molotov cocktail cursor, raising fears of coordinated attacks. These developments have intensified the urgency of the task force’s mission to prevent violence and identify those responsible for the ongoing campaign against Tesla.