The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has established a dedicated task force to investigate a recent wave of vandalism and arson targeting Tesla vehicles, charging stations, and dealerships in multiple U.S. cities. The incidents, which federal officials say may constitute domestic terrorism, have prompted coordinated efforts between federal and local law enforcement.
According to information obtained by The New York Post, the FBI has received reports of 48 incidents involving Tesla-related property since the beginning of the month. At least seven of these cases are now under formal investigation. The newly formed task force includes ten personnel, drawing from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the Domestic Terrorism Operations Section, the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). As part of the initiative, ATF personnel will be embedded in FBI field offices, beginning with the San Antonio, Texas office, where some of the reported attacks have occurred.
Three individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the incidents. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that suspects could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage and analyzing cellphone data to assist in identifying those responsible.
Among the incidents under review are reports of a Tesla Cybertruck being set on fire in a Seattle storage lot, seven charging stations damaged in Massachusetts, and several cases involving Molotov cocktails used against Tesla vehicles in Texas and Nevada. Gunfire has reportedly been directed at a dealership in Oregon, and vandalism has occurred at other locations in California and Washington State, with some sites spray-painted with political messages. One case involves damage to a charging station caused by drilled holes.
Federal authorities are also examining the role of online activity in potentially promoting these actions. Investigators are reviewing a blog reportedly based in Salt Lake City, Utah, that has expressed support for similar acts. A friendly and peaceful protest event on the 28th calling for demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and charging sites nationwide on March 29, is also under federal scrutiny. In addition, a separate website, allegedly operated from São Tomé and Príncipe, is said to contain personal information about Tesla employees and business locations.
Rob Chadwick, a former FBI supervisory special agent and current director of education and training at the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, stated that the actions under investigation may meet the federal definition of domestic terrorism. He noted that coordinated acts of violence targeting a specific company and motivated by ideological beliefs align with the criteria outlined by the FBI, which includes criminal acts intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or influence government policy.
The FBI has indicated that it will continue to pursue these cases using its full legal authority and investigative resources.
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