The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public alert regarding a surge in attacks on Tesla vehicles and related properties, categorizing the incidents as domestic terrorism. The warning comes after multiple cases of arson, gunfire, and vandalism targeting the automaker in at least nine U.S. states in recent months.
“These incidents have involved arson, gunfire, and vandalism, including graffiti expressing grievances against those the perpetrators perceive to be racists, fascists, or political opponents,” the FBI stated in its alert. “These criminal actions appear to have been conducted by lone offenders, and all known incidents occurred at night.”
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The Bureau did not support Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s assertion that the attacks are being coordinated or funded by leftist organizations, instead stating that the perpetrators appear to be acting independently. The FBI has advised the public to remain vigilant around Tesla facilities, including dealerships, charging stations, and production plants, and to report any suspicious activity to their local FBI field office.
The wave of attacks, which includes vandalism and arson at Tesla dealerships, is believed to be linked to public backlash against Musk’s role in the U.S. government. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly created agency under the Trump administration, Musk has overseen job cuts affecting thousands of federal employees, drawing criticism from some groups.
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Last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced criminal charges against three individuals accused of attacking Tesla properties with Molotov cocktails. Meanwhile, Musk confirmed that Tesla is activating its camera-based Sentry Mode security system on all parked vehicles to aid in identifying vandals.
The FBI’s involvement highlights the growing severity of these incidents, as authorities work to address the ongoing threats against Tesla and its infrastructure.