Tesla CEO Elon Musk has labeled the recent surge in attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations as “wide-scale domestic terrorism” and is urging authorities to pursue those orchestrating these violent acts.
Musk emphasized the need to target the organizers and financiers behind the attacks, stating, “What we actually have to get to are the people who are organizing and paying for these attacks and protests. That’s who we really need to go after, because the people that were actually throwing the Molotov cocktails — they’re the foot soldiers, but we need to go after the generals.”
Since early 2025, there has been a notable increase in vandalism targeting Tesla properties. Incidents have ranged from vehicles being defaced with graffiti to more severe cases involving arson and gunfire. For instance, in Las Vegas, multiple Tesla vehicles were set ablaze and shot at in what authorities are investigating as a targeted attack.
In response to these events, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a task force to investigate and mitigate threats against Tesla. FBI Director Kash Patel has classified these incidents as “domestic terrorism,” affirming that those responsible will be pursued and brought to justice.
The attacks coincide with Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at reducing wasteful government spending. This association has led to protests from groups opposing the administration’s policies. The “Tesla Takedown” movement, for example, has organized demonstrations at Tesla locations worldwide, criticizing Musk’s role in the government.
Musk has also accused prominent figures such as George Soros and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman of funding these protests through ActBlue-funded groups. He claims that an investigation has identified five groups responsible for the anti-Tesla activities.
The Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has vowed to impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including individuals coordinating and financing the crimes. Bondi described the vandalism as “nothing short of domestic terrorism.”
