FBI Launches Task Force to Investigate Attacks on Tesla Facilities

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated a task force in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate a surge in attacks targeting Tesla, the electric vehicle company led by Elon Musk.

This announcement follows an incident where a bomb squad discovered multiple incendiary devices at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas, the same city where Tesla's headquarters are located. This event marks the latest in a series of attacks and vandalism on Tesla properties attributed to CEO Musk's involvement with DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency.

DOGE and the Rise in Attacks

DOGE is an organization actively engaged in efforts to significantly reduce federal government spending and staffing. Reports indicate at least 80 cases of vandalism or arson targeting Tesla vehicles in the United States and Canada, in addition to peaceful protests at Tesla showrooms, as reported by NBC News.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, that "The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response." Patel emphasized the severity of the situation, labeling it as "domestic terrorism" and assuring that "Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice."

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed this sentiment on Twitter, stating, "Justice is coming."

Tesla's Response

The New York Post was the first to report on the formation of the task force. Tesla's vice president of Environment, Health and Safety and Security, Laurie Shelby, did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment regarding the company's protective measures for its facilities.

At a Tesla event on Thursday, CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the recent wave of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and sites, remarking, "If you read the news, it feels like, you know, Armageddon." He described individuals burning Tesla vehicles as "psycho" and urged them to "stop being psycho!" A Tesla employee informed CNBC that there have been no company-wide communications regarding protests or criminal acts against the company since Thursday's all-hands event.