FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has revealed that the agency is conducting an investigation into attacks aimed at Tesla vehicles and the company’s dealerships, as well as related swatting incidents. President Donald Trump and other officials from the administration have denounced several of these occurrences as acts of “domestic terrorism,” attributing some of the motivations to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in budget cuts affecting federal agencies and employees driven by DOGE, as reported by Axios.
Bongino stated, “My priorities are communication and transparency. We serve you, the American public. Our teams are diligently addressing the incidents involving Tesla and the swatting cases, alongside our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of the Homeland. Thank you.”
Swatting refers to a form of harassment where a false emergency call is made to dispatch a significant number of armed police officers to a designated location. The FBI is investigating an incident at a Tesla collision center in Las Vegas, where multiple vehicles were set ablaze and the word “Resist” was spray-painted on the premises, as a potential act of terrorism.
According to a statement from the Las Vegas Police Department, a person dressed in black “approached the business with incendiary devices, using them to ignite several Tesla vehicles. One un-detonated incendiary device was found inside a vehicle, and it is also believed that the individual discharged at least three rounds from a firearm at the vehicles.”
In collaboration with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, the FBI is also working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate an incident where Cyber Trucks at a Tesla dealership in south Kansas City were damaged overnight, as noted in a Facebook post from the Kansas City field office of the bureau on Tuesday.
The #TeslaTakedown movement, which has a global reach, has seen vandals targeting dealerships and vehicles in various countries, including Canada, where a Tesla exhibit was removed from this week’s Vancouver International event.
This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared on Fox News to address the ongoing attacks against Tesla, asserting that the Department of Justice would ensure accountability for those responsible.
Host Will Cain inquired, “I want to discuss the attacks on Tesla occurring nationwide. You have recently characterized these as acts of domestic terrorism. By introducing the notion of domestic terrorism, it seems to suggest that your department and the FBI should investigate the funding behind these attacks. Are these actions organized? What insights can you provide regarding the incidents currently being reported at Tesla dealerships across the country?”
Bondi replied, “These attacks are widespread across our nation. We have already charged several individuals, and more charges are forthcoming. One individual we charged in Oregon faces a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years. We have also filed charges in Colorado and South Carolina, with additional cases on the horizon. Yes, we are examining the funding sources, among other factors. I was in a meeting about this matter just this morning.”
She continued, “We are determined to take action against those responsible. We believe these attacks are coordinated efforts rather than isolated incidents. They are specifically targeting Tesla owners, Tesla dealerships, and Elon Musk, who is striving to benefit our country. This behavior will not be tolerated. We will track you down, and if you are part of an organized group providing funding for these actions, we will identify you as well. You should be cautious and put an end to this.”
Cain then asked for clarification, “You mentioned coming from a meeting this morning. Does this indicate that you are observing some level of organization and potential behind-the-scenes funding that could be investigated and prosecuted?”
Bondi confirmed, “Yes, we are examining all facets of this situation. These are not merely isolated incidents.”
