Investigation Initiated: FBI Forms Special Unit Following Assaults on Tesla - Labeled as 'Homegrown Terrorism'
In recent months, a concerning trend of violent attacks and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles has emerged, with at least 80 cases reported since the start of the year. These incidents, which have occurred in both the U.S. and Canada, appear to be driven by political motivations and resentment towards Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, who is a polarizing public figure and former government official.
The FBI established a task force in March 2025 to investigate these incidents, treating them as potential domestic terrorism related to a broader wave of protests against Musk. The motives for these attacks intertwine with hostility towards Musk's public and political persona, as well as a broader backlash against electric vehicles (EVs), fueled by misinformation about environmental impact and economic disparities.
The FBI and ATF's joint task force is actively tracking individuals who threaten or carry out vandalism in connection to Tesla, focusing on social media and anarchist forums that may incite such actions. For example, a Virginia man who had his Tesla Cybertruck vandalized suspects the attack was politically driven but holds no specific information on the culprit.
The vandalism has tangible impacts, including rising insurance premiums for Tesla owners and emotional distress among victims. Some owners take protective measures like enhanced security coatings and Tesla’s Sentry Mode, which captures footage of crimes in progress and helps law enforcement identify suspects.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly condemned the vandalism, labeling these attacks negatively. Law enforcement agencies encourage community cooperation, underscoring the collective responsibility to prevent further damage.
The FBI and ATF's investigation remains ongoing with a focus on identifying perpetrators and understanding the politically and culturally charged motives behind these attacks. The FBI Director, Kash Patel, has labeled the situation as "domestic terrorism."
Meanwhile, President Trump has spoken out in support of Tesla and plans to buy a Tesla Cybertruck for himself. Despite Tesla's stock dropping more than 40% since December, it still trades above $270.
Notably, the FBI's investigation is not focused on President Trump's support for Tesla. However, some believe Tesla is being targeted due to Musk's political ties and influence. For instance, during a company meeting, Musk addressed the violence, calling those who burn Teslas "psycho" and asking them to "stop being psycho."
Over the weekend, a man in Florida was arrested for trying to drive into a group of Tesla protestors, facing charges of aggravated assault. Additionally, multiple explosive devices were discovered at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, and a man in Florida was arrested for attempting to drive into Tesla protestors.
The FBI is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to track down the people responsible. In the Las Vegas incident, someone spray-painted the word "RESIST" on the building.
As the investigation continues, the Tesla community and law enforcement agencies are working together to address this troubling trend and bring those responsible to justice.
- The ongoing FBI and ATF investigation into the vandalism of Tesla vehicles is focusing on identifying perpetrators and understanding the politically and culturally charged motives behind these attacks, with some suspecting a connection to the political ties and influence of Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk.
- The FBI Director, Kash Patel, has labeled the wave of attacks on Tesla vehicles as "domestic terrorism," while President Trump has spoken out in support of Tesla, potentially escalating the political tension surrounding the incidents.
