Federal prosecutors have charged three individuals with carrying out violent attacks against Tesla properties, describing their actions as acts of “domestic terrorism.” The suspects allegedly used Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla dealerships, vehicles and charging stations in multiple states.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the charges Thursday, vowing harsh consequences for anyone involved in similar attacks.
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi declared, according to Fox News. “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.”
She also spoke on “The Will Cain Show” Wednesday, emphasizing that Tesla CEO Elon Musk was being targeted.
“They’re targeting Elon Musk, who is out there trying to save our country, and it will not be tolerated,” she said. “We are coming after you.”
The three individuals face federal charges carrying minimum sentences of five years and up to 20 years in prison.
The first attack occurred in Salem, Oregon, on Jan. 20. Prosecutors say Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, threw approximately eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership, destroying one vehicle and damaging several others. Authorities say Lansky also hurled a heavy object through the dealership’s window.
At the time of his arrest, he was armed with a suppressed AR-15 rifle.
On Jan. 29, authorities in Loveland, Colorado, arrested Lucy Grace Nelson, also known as Justin Thomas Nelson, 42, after attempting to ignite Tesla vehicles using Molotov cocktails. Investigators later discovered Nelson possessed additional incendiary materials, including gasoline, bottles and wick materials.
The most recent attack took place on March 7 in Charleston, South Carolina. Prosecutors say Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, spray-painted anti-Trump and pro-Ukraine messages, including “F— Trump” and “Long Live Ukraine,” before setting fire to three Tesla charging stations.
The attacks are part of a larger pattern of politically motivated violence, law enforcement officials say.
Michael Tabman, a former FBI special agent in charge of the Minneapolis Field Office, warned that such incidents will likely continue.
“I do fear that more violence is on its way,” Tabman told Fox News. “Maybe not directly Teslas or DOGE, but just general political violence.”
“I think it’s already here. But I think there’s more around the corner.”
Adding to concerns, a website called “DOGEQUEST” surfaced, allegedly publishing the personal information of Tesla owners, including their addresses, phone numbers and emails. The site, which has been since taken down, also featured maps pinpointing Tesla dealerships and charging stations, raising fears of further attacks.
“We’re a more divided country,” Tabman said. “Hatred for the other side is boiling over, and I’m putting this in on both sides.”
The most recent attack on Tesla property occurred early Tuesday morning at a Tesla collision and sales center in Las Vegas. Authorities say a suspect, dressed in all black, used Molotov cocktails and a firearm to target the facility, damaging five vehicles and setting two ablaze.
The word “Resist” was spray-painted on the business’s front doors.
In response, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has increased security at Tesla locations. Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren described the attack as an escalation in a growing pattern of politically motivated violence.
Spencer Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office, said the incident bore the “hallmarks” of domestic terrorism.
“The FBI is working with our law enforcement partners to investigate a number of incidents in which Tesla charging stations and dealerships were damaged,” the bureau said in a statement, per Fox News. “We would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious or have information about potential threats to report it to local law enforcement immediately.”
Tabman cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric is fueling acts of violence and urged people to consider the consequences of their words.
“Let’s understand what we’re angry at and what’s the proper way of expressing your anger, and violence is not the proper way to do it,” he said.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies continue investigating the attacks as authorities urge Tesla owners and businesses to remain vigilant.
