New Task Force Formed to Tackle Crime Against Tesla Assets

Tesla cars parked outside Tesla building

The FBI and ATF have formed a joint task force to combat an alarming wave of violence targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities across the nation amid growing concerns about domestic terrorism and political motivation.

Key Takeaways

The FBI has established a specialized task force with the ATF to investigate dozens of violent attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations that are being treated as domestic terrorism.
Since March 1, 2025, authorities have received 48 reports of Tesla-related violence, including vandalism, arson, and shootings, with seven arson investigations currently pending.
Three arrests have been made in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks on Tesla facilities in Oregon and Colorado, with more investigations ongoing.
The violence appears to coincide with Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and efforts to reduce government spending.
A protest group called “Tesla Takedown” is planning 500 demonstrations at Tesla locations on March 29, 2025, raising additional security concerns.

Federal Agencies Respond to Escalating Violence

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to establish a dedicated task force addressing the surge in attacks targeting Tesla. The agencies have created a specific threat tag and command post to streamline reports and coordinate response efforts across multiple jurisdictions. Law enforcement has documented 48 separate incidents involving Tesla properties since the beginning of March, including seven active arson investigations.

FBI spokesman Ben Williamson confirmed the seriousness of the federal response, “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.

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

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) March 24, 2025

Recent Incidents Point to Organized Activity

The most recent incident occurred at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, where incendiary devices were discovered outside the facility. Austin police responded to a call reporting suspicious devices, prompting involvement from the bomb squad and ATF agents. The devices were safely removed without incident. This follows a pattern of similar attacks across at least nine states, including incidents where Tesla vehicles were shot at or set on fire.

Law enforcement officials have identified a website featuring maps of Tesla locations with a Molotov cocktail cursor, raising concerns about coordinated efforts to target the company. Additionally, a group calling itself “Tesla Takedown” has announced plans for 500 demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and Supercharger stations on March 29, 2025, further heightening security concerns.

Political Dimensions of the Attacks

The timing of these attacks appears to coincide with Elon Musk’s appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration. Musk has publicly suggested that his efforts to eliminate government waste and fraud have made him a target. In a recent statement, Musk expressed shock at the violence, “It really comes as quite a shock to me that there is this level of real hatred and violence from the left. I thought the left, you know, Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring. And yet they’re burning down cars. They’re firebombing dealerships. They’re firing bullets into dealerships. They’re just smashing up Teslas,” expressed Musk.

President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the situation, characterizing the violence against Tesla as “domestic terrorism.” Meanwhile, Musk has questioned whether larger forces are orchestrating the attacks, saying, “I think there are larger forces at work as well. I mean, who’s funding and who’s coordinating it? Because this is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Local Response and Community Concerns

Local officials have also condemned the violence while emphasizing public safety. Austin City Council Member Krista Laine addressed the incident at the Tesla showroom, “I am incredibly thankful to our APD officers for their prompt response to this incident and quick resolution ensuring that no one was hurt. I strongly condemn any action that puts the people of Austin in danger. No matter the motivation, violence of any kind is unacceptable,” stated Laine.

The FBI has urged citizens to report any suspicious activity related to Tesla facilities and has promised to pursue those responsible with “the full force of the law.” As the task force continues its work, authorities remain concerned about the potential for further incidents, particularly with the planned demonstrations at the end of March.