Wave of Terror in the U.S.: FBI Establishes Special Task Force Investigating Attacks Against Tesla Linked to Elon Musk’s Political Activities

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced Monday that it has established a special task force in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), aiming to address a wave of violence and vandalism against Tesla facilities and vehicles. The announcement came hours after a bomb squad discovered several explosive devices at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas—the city that hosts Tesla’s headquarters.

Behind the recent series of attacks, including at least 80 incidents of arson and vandalism across the U.S. and Canada in recent weeks, lies political opposition to Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, who serves in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department is spearheading a controversial effort to sharply reduce federal government spending and staffing, sparking protests from various public groups.

FBI: “This is Domestic Terrorism”

FBI Director Kash Patel stated on the social network X that the actions against Tesla are defined as “domestic terrorism.” Patel emphasized, “Those responsible will be pursued and prosecuted.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed this sentiment, tweeting, “Justice is coming.”

Musk Responds: “Stop Being Psycho”

In an event for Tesla employees last Thursday, Musk addressed the situation by remarking that “the news makes it seem like we’re in Armageddon.” He called those committing the attacks “psycho,” urging them to “stop being psycho.”

According to CNBC, Tesla has yet to issue an official statement to employees regarding procedures for similar incidents.

Tesla Stock Reacts with Surprising Increase

Despite the wave of violence and attacks against the company, Tesla’s stock surprisingly responded positively, rising approximately 12% since the beginning of the incidents. The stock currently trades at $278.39 per share—still over 40% below its peak of $488.54 in mid-December.

Trump Intervenes: Perpetrators to be Sent to El Salvador Prison

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will treat the violence against Tesla as “internal terrorism.” Trump even suggested sending those convicted of attacks to prisons in El Salvador. Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted that several suspects involved in vandalism incidents have already been arrested.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged viewers on Fox News to “buy Tesla stock” as a gesture of support.

Protests Expanding: “Tesla Takedown” Announces Nationwide Demonstrations

Parallel to violent acts, a protest movement named “Tesla Takedown” announced plans for nonviolent demonstrations outside nearly 300 Tesla showrooms across the United States this coming Saturday. According to the group’s website, “Elon Musk is destroying our democracy, using the fortune he built at Tesla to conduct an illegal coup.”

A spokesperson for the group emphasized that their protests “have always been and will remain nonviolent,” accusing the government of attempting to “intimidate protesters.” However, they remain undeterred and committed to defending “free speech.”

Concerns about further escalation grow as violent confrontations between Tesla supporters and opponents occur, notably in Florida this past weekend, when an individual was charged with aggressively driving towards protesters.

The FBI and the Trump administration are taking these threats seriously, increasing security measures around Tesla facilities nationwide.