Attorney General Bondi announced the charges against three individuals involved in a series of firebombing attacks targeting Tesla dealerships and charging stations across the United States. The actions are reported to stem from a hatred toward Elon Musk and his association with the federal government. President Trump labeled these incidents as acts of domestic terrorism.
Bondi emphasized that the charges are “severe,” and if convicted, the accused could face up to 20 years in prison. She stated, "The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended." She warned that any further acts of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties would be met with serious legal repercussions.
The three defendants allegedly used Molotov cocktails to set fire to vehicles at Tesla locations in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina. One individual, armed with a suppressed AR-15 rifle, was arrested after throwing multiple Molotov cocktails at a dealership in Oregon. Another suspect, hailing from Colorado, is accused of trying to ignite vehicles while being in possession of incendiary device components. The third suspect from South Carolina was reported to have vandalized charging stations with derogatory messages against President Trump before igniting them with Molotov cocktails.
The alleged attacker from South Carolina, identified as Daniel Clarke-Pounder, was found writing messages like “F–k Trump” before launching attacks on the stations. Meanwhile, the Oregon suspect, Matthew Lansky, was caught on surveillance footage throwing Molotov cocktails that caused significant damage.
As the assaults on Tesla properties occurred, the company’s stock has fallen by nearly 40% this year, alongside a noted drop in sales. Despite these challenges, Musk has received backing from supporters within the Trump administration, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who recently encouraged investments in Tesla stock.
Trump himself defended Tesla during a recent event, describing attacks on the company as terrorism. He expressed intention to ensure that those responsible face serious consequences. Musk expressed his disbelief over the coordinated violence directed at Tesla, stating it was alarming and extreme, prompting the company to enhance security measures at their locations.