The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a new task force to investigate the domestic terrorists responsible for targeting Tesla vehicles, charging stations, and dealerships across the country in protest of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to The New York Post, the FBI’s new task force includes 10 members and will deploy personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as personnel from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. The outlet noted that the launch of the 10-person FBI task force comes as the FBI has received 48 reports over the last month regarding incidents targeting Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles.
“[FBI] Director [Kash] Patel has been unequivocally clear: The FBI will be relentless in its mission to protect the American people,” an FBI spokesperson told The New York Post. “Acts of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism — like the recent Tesla attacks — will be pursued with the full force of the law.”
According to The New York Post, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the recent attacks against Tesla. The outlet noted that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled the attacks as “domestic terrorism” and warned that the individuals could face up to 20 years in prison for their actions.
READ MORE: Videos/Pics: Multiple Teslas set on fire, shot in ‘targeted attack’
The New York Post reported that in addition to investigating the recent attacks against Tesla, the FBI has identified Dogeque.st as a website responsible for doxxing Tesla locations and employees throughout the United States. Additionally, the FBI is investigating an anarchist blog in Utah and watching a major “Tesla Takedown” protest that calls for 500 demonstrations against Tesla on March 29.
Addressing the recent attacks against Tesla that appear to be politically motivated, former FBI supervisory special agent Rob Chadwick told The New York Post, “These attacks clearly meet the FBI’s established definition of domestic terrorism.”
“We’re talking about coordinated, violent acts targeting a specific company, motivated by ideological beliefs — whether environmental, political, or social,” Chadwick added. “The FBI defines domestic terrorism as violent, criminal acts committed by individuals or groups within the United States, motivated by domestic ideological goals, to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or influence government policy.”
Chadwick told The New York Post that the attacks against Tesla vehicles, charging stations, and dealerships across the United States are “ideologically driven attacks meant to intimidate.”
“That puts them squarely in the FBI’s crosshairs,” the former FBI supervisory special agent said. “Those breaking the law or using violence to intimidate others will feel the full weight of the justice system.”
