Tesla showrooms targeted: Domestic terrorism charges filed
The US Attorney General has charged three individuals with setting fire to Tesla showrooms and charging stations, accusing them of "domestic terrorism," according to The Guardian. The acts of vandalism followed protests against Elon Musk's controversial role in the Trump administration.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced serious charges against three suspects believed to be involved in coordinated attacks on Tesla facilities. She emphasised that their actions fall under "domestic terrorism," and each accused person will face trial, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison, reports The Guardian.
The Department of Justice outlined that the alleged perpetrators used petrol bombs to set Tesla properties ablaze in three different states. One of the suspects was apprehended in Oregon after allegedly throwing eight firebombs at a Tesla showroom. At the time of arrest, he also possessed an AR-15 rifle with a silencer.
The second suspect carried out an attack in Colorado, attempting to set Tesla vehicles on fire and in possession of materials to produce further explosives. The third detainee set fire to a charging station in South Carolina, having initially left graffiti targeted against President Trump.
Attorney General Bondi stressed that "the days of committing crimes without consequence have ended," announcing decisive action against similar acts of vandalism. She noted that the attacks are linked to the activities of Elon Musk, who has overseen controversial cuts in employment and government budgets since taking over as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
President Donald Trump also addressed the attacks on Truth Social. "People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!" wrote the US President.
Musk and Tesla's image crisis
In recent weeks, Musk's actions on behalf of the Trump administration have drawn growing criticism, not only from protesters but also from Tesla investors. Wedbush Managing Director Dan Ives described the impact of Musk's activities as a "crisis," indicating that the reputational damage to Tesla is spreading globally.
Elon Musk has denied the allegations, asserting that both he and Tesla are acting peacefully. "Tesla is a peaceful company, we’ve never done anything harmful, I’ve never done anything harmful, I’ve always done productive things," Musk stated in an interview with Fox News.
