The FBI has issued a formal warning following a surge in violent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, charging stations, and storage facilities in at least nine states since January. The agency is treating the incidents as acts of domestic terrorism, linked to far-left extremists who have become increasingly hostile toward Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.
Coordinated Attacks Across the Country
The attacks have included Molotov cocktails, gunfire, arson, and targeted vandalism—all carried out at night. Multiple sites have been defaced with graffiti accusing Tesla of racism, fascism, and political collusion, despite the company being a leader in clean energy and electric vehicle innovation.
Investigators say the attacks appear to be carried out by lone individuals or small cells, and they warn that additional plots may be underway.
FBI Warning to the Public
The FBI has urged citizens to remain vigilant around Tesla facilities and to immediately report any suspicious behavior. Indicators of a potential threat include:
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Online threats or posts referencing Tesla locations
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Unusual surveillance or attempts to breach security at Tesla sites
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Individuals photographing security equipment or employees
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Efforts to access restricted areas or tamper with vehicles and infrastructure
The agency is working with state and local authorities as well as Tesla’s internal security team to ensure a coordinated response.
Elon Musk Responds to Escalating Threats
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded forcefully, saying the company has increased its internal security and activated Sentry Mode on all vehicles at affected locations to automatically capture video of would-be attackers.
“Tesla makes electric cars. That’s it,” Musk said. “The idea that we are somehow a target of political violence is insane. These are criminal terrorists and they will be prosecuted.”
Musk has also suggested the violence may be politically motivated, tied to his ongoing support for free speech, his public critiques of censorship, and his collaboration with the Trump administration.
Trump Administration Takes a Hard Line
President Donald Trump condemned the attacks in strong terms, calling them “acts of terror” and promising the harshest possible penalties for those responsible.
“No mercy, no pardons. You attack American companies, you’re going to prison for a very long time,” Trump said. “These aren’t protesters. They’re domestic terrorists—and they’ll be treated like it.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed that sentiment, confirming that federal prosecutors have already filed charges against three suspects, with potential sentences of up to 20 years under terrorism statutes.
What It Means Going Forward
This wave of politically motivated attacks against Tesla marks a dangerous new chapter in the culture war, where American innovation is now a target for extremist rage. As the FBI ramps up its investigation and Tesla fortifies its defenses, the Trump administration is making it clear: violent left-wing extremism will not be tolerated—no matter who the target is.
The message is unmistakable: If you engage in terror, destruction, or violence in the name of politics, you will face the full force of federal law enforcement.