President Trump has suggested that recent attacks against Tesla are part of a coordinated effort to intimidate billionaire Elon Musk. However, an internal intelligence assessment has not supported this claim, cautioning against equating legal protests against Musk with vandalism of his property.
The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security stated in an intelligence bulletin dated March 21 that the attacks on Tesla vehicles and facilities “appear to have been conducted by lone offenders,” with all known incidents occurring at night, complicating the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
This assessment, shared with law enforcement agencies nationwide and subject to change as investigations continue, analyzed vandalism incidents across nine states over the past two months. It concluded that the attacks, which included gunshots, graffiti, smashed windows, and vehicle fires, were “rudimentary” and not aimed at causing harm to individuals.
Officials noted that while the perpetrators may view these actions as victimless property crimes, they pose risks of accidental or intentional harm to bystanders and first responders. The report emphasized that law enforcement should pursue those responsible for these acts but should not investigate constitutionally protected activities directed at Musk.
Last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi referred to the Tesla attacks as “domestic terrorism.” The F.B.I. director echoed this characterization, stating the agency is investigating a rise in violent activities. However, the bulletin did not explicitly label the vandalism as “domestic violent extremism,” despite citing political motives behind the attacks.
Trump suggested that the vandalism was financed by politically motivated individuals on the left, although he provided no evidence. Bondi later indicated her intention to prosecute those allegedly coordinating and funding these crimes, aligning with Trump’s assertions.
A spokesperson for Bondi remarked that the report could not encompass all current information due to the ongoing investigation, warning that media leaks could jeopardize terrorism investigations. Bondi has frequently praised Musk, referring to him as a close friend, and suggested she may investigate Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett for comments made during an anti-Musk rally.
Patel, aligning with Trump and his allies, condemned the vandalism as domestic terrorism, promising that those responsible would be pursued and brought to justice. The attacks on Tesla facilities have escalated amid growing opposition to Musk.
In recent incidents, a 26-year-old woman was arrested for spray-painting anti-Musk messages on a Tesla facility in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. On the same day, vandals damaged a dealership in San Diego with swastikas and slogans. Later, unknown assailants fired shots at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, and firebombed several Cybertrucks in Kansas City.
Additionally, unexploded incendiary devices were discovered at a Tesla dealership in Austin, which has been the site of anti-Musk protests, but were removed without incident.