U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has aligned herself with President Donald Trump’s stance, labeling recent violent attacks on Tesla vehicles and properties as “domestic terrorism.”
Bondi, who previously served as Florida’s Attorney General and was nominated by Trump for the U.S. Attorney General position in November, issued a statement Tuesday night condemning the incidents.
“The wave of violent assaults targeting Tesla assets constitutes nothing less than domestic terrorism,” Bondi said in the statement.
Bondi also confirmed that the Justice Department has filed charges against “several individuals” connected to these attacks, with some cases carrying mandatory minimum sentences of five years.
“Our investigations will persist, and we will ensure that those responsible, including anyone orchestrating or financing these crimes, face serious penalties,” she added.
The attacks have coincided with protests dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” aimed at criticizing Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s influence over substantial cuts to the federal workforce under the Trump administration, according to Reuters.
Trump: ‘They’re hurting a great American company’
Appearing alongside Elon Musk on the White House’s South Lawn last week, President Trump said he is considering classifying those who perpetrate violence against Tesla owners and facilities as “domestic terrorists.”
“I will do it. I’m going to stop them … because they’re hurting a great American company,” Trump said. “When you damage an American company—especially one that creates jobs others cannot—you’re hurting this country.”
Additionally, House DOGE Subcommittee Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., announced that she and fellow committee members have sent a formal request to Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate the “coordinated” actions against Musk, Tesla, and the broader DOGE initiative.
The administration’s support for Musk comes as Tesla’s stock has seen a sharp decline, with shares falling 50% since December. Analysts from JPMorgan have linked the drop to challenges in the electric vehicle market, declining global sales, and reputational issues tied to Musk’s political activities and his association with DOGE, according to Business Insider.
As of Wednesday morning, Tesla’s stock stood at approximately $233 per share, reflecting a decrease of around $127 over the past month, according to NASDAQ data.
Tesla dealerships targeted nationwide
The backlash against Musk and the DOGE initiative has resulted in vandalism at Tesla dealerships nationwide. In Fort Lauderdale, local authorities reported that 34 Cybertrucks were damaged and spray-painted with anti-Musk messages such as “(expletive) Elon,” as first reported by WPLG.
In a separate incident last month, federal investigators began probing vandalism at a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado. Reports indicate that windows were shattered, red X’s were painted across Cybertruck windshields, and an attempt was made to start a fire. Local news outlets also noted that “Nazi Cars” was spray-painted on vehicles, marking it as the third such incident at that location in 2025.
More recently, Las Vegas police confirmed that Molotov cocktails and gunfire were used in a “deliberate attack” at a Tesla Collision Center. Authorities believe the suspect fired at vehicles multiple times and used homemade incendiary devices to set cars ablaze.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation. While FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans stated it is “too early” to definitively label the event as a terrorist attack, he did acknowledge the incident bore “some of the hallmarks” of terrorism.
“Acts of violence like this are unacceptable anywhere,” Evans said at a press briefing. “This is a federal offense. We will track you down, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”