- The FBI issued a public warning urging vigilance near Tesla dealerships. The warning comes with a rise in violent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and properties, linked to protests against CEO Elon Musk.
- Activists are planning a “Tesla Takedown” global protest on March 29, calling for non-violent actions such as selling Teslas and joining picket lines.
- Authorities have already arrested and charged several individuals in connection with attacks on Tesla properties.
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The FBI warned the public to be on high alert near Tesla dealerships as violent attacks on the company’s vehicles and properties ramp up in protest of CEO Elon Musk’s politics. The warning comes after several people targeted multiple facilities in recent months, with some setting fire to charging stations, vehicles and vandalizing Tesla showrooms.
The FBI said the public should “exercise vigilance and to look out for suspicious activity,” calling on citizens to report any violence to the authorities immediately.
The attacks began in response to Musk’s involvement with DOGE and the department’s efforts to downsize the federal government.
Now, activists are planning a “Tesla Takedown” Global Day of Action Saturday, March 29. Organizers called the event a “peaceful protest movement.”
A website for the protest said they oppose violence, vandalism and destruction. The website instead encourages people to sell their Teslas, dump their stock and join the picket lines.
AG Bondi vs. Rep. Crockett
Attorney General Pam Bondi warned Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, to be cautious after recent comments she made about Elon Musk.
During a virtual rally on March 19, Crockett said, “On March 29, it’s my birthday, and all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.”
Bondi responded in an interview with Fox News Sunday, March 23.
“She is an elected public official so she needs to tread very carefully, because nothing will happen to Elon Musk and we are going to fight to protect all of the Tesla owners,” Bondi said.
Crockett reiterated during an interview with MSNBC Sunday, her comments were not about violence.
“I have never promoted violence whatsoever,” Crockett said.
What punishments are Tesla vandals facing?
Bondi recently said people accused of destroying Tesla cars and charging stations are facing up to 20 years in prison for “domestic terrorism.”
Authorities accused the defendants of using high-powered weapons and explosives to destroy property belonging to Tesla. The cases are being brought in Colorado, Oregon and South Carolina.
In another incident in Florida, authorities arrested a man after the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said he drove a car at a slow rate of speed into a group of protesters at a Tesla dealership Friday, March 21.
Authorities didn’t report any injuries in the incident.
The sheriff’s office charged the suspect, Andrew Dutil, with assault.
