In response to a sharp increase in violent incidents targeting Tesla and its infrastructure, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a dedicated task force to address what officials are calling acts of “domestic terrorism.” The announcement comes as tensions grow across the United States regarding Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political influence and the role of his company in public discourse.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the establishment of the new task force during a public statement on Monday, describing it as a strategic move to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the ongoing wave of Tesla-related attacks. “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,” Patel said. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”

Over 80 Anti-Tesla Incidents Reported Nationwide

According to reports from NBC News and the New York Post, more than 80 incidents of vandalism and protest targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities have been documented since the start of the year. The violence reportedly intensified following Musk’s appointment to head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration.

Across multiple states, Tesla showrooms have been swarmed by protesters, Supercharger sites have been set on fire, and several vehicles have been damaged or destroyed. In one high-profile incident last week in Las Vegas, a masked individual used a Molotov cocktail to torch several vehicles at a Tesla repair center, leaving the word “resist” spray-painted on the building’s entrance. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is currently investigating the attack.

New FBI Task Force to Include Counterterrorism and ATF Personnel

The newly formed FBI task force will operate in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and is expected to include a 10-person team comprising members from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. ATF agents are already being deployed to regional FBI field offices, beginning with San Antonio, Texas — a hotspot for recent Tesla-related disturbances.

FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson confirmed the development on social media, highlighting the agency’s intent to bring all federal resources to bear in this effort.

Political Tensions Fuel the Anti-Tesla Movement

The rise in anti-Tesla sentiment has coincided with Elon Musk’s increasing proximity to former President Donald Trump and his administration. Critics argue that Musk’s political alignment is polarizing public opinion, with some investors selling Tesla shares and owners trading in their vehicles in protest. Recent data suggests that trade-ins of Tesla vehicles have reached record highs.

Adding to the growing unrest, a massive protest titled “Tesla Takedown” is planned for Saturday, with organizers predicting over 500 coordinated demonstrations nationwide. The event is expected to be the largest organized protest against Tesla to date.

U.S. Attorney General Issues Warning: Acts Will Be Prosecuted as Terrorism

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has reiterated the federal government’s firm stance on the issue, stating last week that individuals responsible for vandalizing Tesla property will be treated as “domestic terrorists.” She singled out three suspects currently facing charges related to Molotov cocktail attacks in Oregon, Colorado, and North Carolina, noting that each could face up to 20 years in prison.

“These are not isolated events — they are acts of terrorism,” Bondi said. “We are not backing down from these charges. Severe and swift consequences will follow.”

Elon Musk Responds on Social Media

Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to the Las Vegas attack by sharing a video of the burning vehicles, captioned simply with the word: “Terrorism.” Musk has not made further public statements but continues to face scrutiny as the incidents mount.