The FBI has launched a task force to investigate attacks on Tesla facilities, as protests and vandalism escalate over CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement.
The task force was announced shortly after police in Austin, Texas found “incendiary devices” at a Tesla showroom. Vandalism of Tesla cars and properties has risen since Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) organisation began demanding major cuts to the federal government.
“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response,” said FBI director Kash Patel.
“This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”
Protests against Tesla facilities have been ongoing since February due to Musk’s DOGE role, and are often referred to with the hashtag #teslatakedown. Tesla Takedown’s organisers have said they “oppose violence, vandalism and destruction of property”.
The FBI would be given additional authorities while investigating domestic terrorism, including search warrants that can be applied anywhere in the United States rather than in a specific jurisdiction. Its Joint Terrorism Task Forces also are able to borrow agents and data from other law enforcement and terrorism agencies.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also said last week that there had been three arrests across Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina for attempting to damage Tesla cars and charging stations with Molotov cocktails.
“Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,” said Bondi.
While Tesla shares have fallen for the past nine consecutive weeks, the share price saw an increase of 11.93% today in its best trading day in 2025.
Tesla’s (NASDAQ: TSLA) share price closed at US$278.39, up from its previous close at $248.71. Its market capitalisation is $895.4 billion.
Related content
The FBI Is Investigating Attacks on Tesla as ‘Domestic Terrorism.’ Here’s Why That Matters
FBI launches Tesla threats task force: ‘This is domestic terrorism’
