The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced Monday the formation of a specialized task force to investigate the growing number of attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the United States.
The 10-person task force, working alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), will investigate what the FBI has labeled as "domestic terrorism." The bureau has documented 48 incidents this month involving Tesla properties and is actively investigating at least seven arson cases.
"The FBI will be relentless in its mission to protect the American people," stated FBI Director Kash Patel. "Acts of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism - like the recent Tesla attacks - will be pursued with the full force of the law."
Recent incidents include:
- Tesla vehicles set ablaze with Molotov cocktails in Austin and Las Vegas
- Seven charging stations torched in Littleton, Massachusetts
- Dealership shootings in Tigard, Oregon
- Vandalism with anti-Musk graffiti in San Diego and Seattle
Three arrests have been made so far, with suspects facing up to 20 years in prison under domestic terrorism charges. The task force will deploy ATF agents and FBI counterterrorism specialists, with dedicated personnel embedded in field offices starting in San Antonio.
The attacks appear linked to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's role heading the Department of Government Efficiency in the current administration. Law enforcement is also monitoring planned protests and investigating an anarchist blog calling for coordinated demonstrations at Tesla locations nationwide.
The FBI is utilizing security footage and cell phone data to track suspects. Attorney General Pam Bondi reinforced that perpetrators will face severe consequences, with President Trump suggesting sentences could be served in El Salvador facilities.
As the investigation continues, the task force will coordinate responses across federal, state and local law enforcement to address what officials describe as ideologically-motivated attacks meant to intimidate both the company and civilian population.