Bondi, citing ‘domestic terrorism,’ announces charges for Tesla attacks

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice is charging three people for allegedly destroying Tesla cars or properties.

The charges come as Tesla has faced widespread protests and criticism in the last few weeks, tied to its CEO, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency’s moves to remake the federal government.

“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,” Bondi said in a press release on Thursday.

Widespread protests outside Tesla showrooms have broken out across the country to decry the moves by DOGE to ax agencies and institute mass layoffs.

Many have been peaceful, but there have also been instances of vandalism and complete destruction of cars.

The Department of Justice did not announce the names of those charged. The Justice Department alleged one defendant threw eight Molotov cocktails at a dealership in Salem, Oregon; another “attempted to light Teslas on fire” with Molotov cocktails in Loveland, Colorado.; and a third in Charleston, South Carolina, “wrote profane messages against President Trump around Tesla charging stations before lighting the charging stations on fire.”

The electric car brand has become increasingly affiliated with Donald Trump, thanks to Musk’s close alliance with the president. Trump made a show of buying a Tesla from Musk, elevating the car company with an event at the White House, which multiple Democrats criticized as an ethics violation. Some Democrats have made their own show of getting rid of their Teslas.

Bondi denounced the destruction of Teslas as “domestic terrorism” on Tuesday, and had said that several people were facing charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences. Bondi told Fox News on Wednesday that more charges are coming.

Musk called the protesters “deranged” in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday. Trump also condemned the violence, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying Trump will enforce law and order in an interview with Fox News on Thursday.

“He will ensure that the harshest penalties are pursued for those who are engaging in this vicious violence,” Leavitt said.