Why Is the FBI Investigating the Attacks on Tesla?

The offensive against Elon Musk's company grows, and the U.S. responds with a heavy hand

A series of coordinated attacks on Tesla dealerships, Superchargers, and vehicles has set off alarms across the United States. The FBI now classifies these acts as “domestic terrorism” and has launched a special operation to stop the escalation of violence targeting Elon Musk’s company.

The offensive ranges from the destruction of charging stations and burned cars to graffiti vandalism at dozens of locations across the country. In March alone, nearly 50 attacks were recorded in various states: dealerships shot at or set on fire, Cybertrucks hit with Molotov cocktails, and Superchargers destroyed.

🚨PSA: FBI warns of nationwide incidents—arson, gunfire, and vandalism targeting Tesla EVs, dealerships, and charging stations in 9+ states, linked to political grievances. The #FBI urges vigilance and awareness around Tesla locations. https://t.co/1i97kbOgKB pic.twitter.com/jwWUKpvxoM
— FBI (@FBI) March 22, 2025

“You will end up in prison”

The severity of the situation led the Department of Justice to respond forcefully. “The days of committing crimes without consequences are over. If you join this wave of violence against Tesla, you will end up in prison,” warned Attorney General Pamela Bondi after the arrest of three suspects linked to the attacks.

The official response didn’t stop there. The FBI announced the creation of a dedicated task force made up of special agents from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) and domestic terrorism experts. Their mission: to locate and arrest those responsible for the attacks, as well as anyone who incites or plans new acts of violence against the California-based company.

Tensions have also extended to the ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement, a group promoting — so far — peaceful protests against Elon Musk and his company. From their website, labeled “anarchist” by authorities, they urge people to sell Tesla stock, get rid of their cars, or protest in front of dealerships and charging stations.

For this Saturday, March 29, the group has planned nearly 500 protests nationwide. Their slogan: “Stopping Musk will help save lives and our democracy.” The organization was founded by British-American actor and director Alex Winter and academic Joan Donovan, a journalism and emerging media studies expert at Boston University. According to CNN, they have an active presence in 28 states and in the capital, Washington D.C.

But now, the FBI is also investigating them. Although their message is presented as peaceful, authorities fear that these protests could escalate into new violent attacks. “The FBI will be relentless in its mission to protect the American people,” officials told the New York Post. “We will not allow violence or domestic terrorism to become normalized in our country.”

According to the Bureau’s official definition, domestic terrorism includes “violent acts committed by individuals or groups within the United States, motivated by national ideologies, with the aim of intimidating the population or influencing government policies.” And in this case, Tesla has become the epicenter of a battle combining hatred, ideology, and violence.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration supports the FBI’s actions and demands a tough stance against those who attack Musk’s company, viewed as a symbol of technological innovation and the American dream. According to Washington, the war against Tesla has just begun.