In Austin, Texas, authorities are currently investigating the discovery of several incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership located on the northern side of the city. This incident is part of a growing number of occurrences affecting the company headed by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Following a tip-off about potentially hazardous materials, Austin police, with the assistance of the city’s bomb squad, safely seized the devices without incident or harm, according to information shared by the department. As the matter is under active investigation, further details remain under wraps.
Events targeting Tesla properties, adorned with the company’s trademark logo, have been reported both in the United States and internationally. These incidents coincide with widespread protests sparked by Musk’s collaborations with the Trump administration, especially those related to the reduction of federal funding and staffing.
In recent developments, a driver in Palm Beach County, Florida, plunged his vehicle into a group of demonstrators stationed outside a Tesla dealership on Saturday. No injuries were reported, but the driver was taken into custody on assault charges. Similarly, in California, authorities detained a counter-protester in Berkeley after he allegedly deployed a stun gun during an anti-Musk rally at a nearby Tesla facility. Although no one was harmed, the individual, aged 33, is currently awaiting legal proceedings.
Other incidents attributed to hostility toward Tesla include the arson of Cybertrucks in Seattle and gunfire directed at a dealership in Oregon. Tesla’s various assets, ranging from showrooms, vehicle lots, and charging stations to private cars, have encountered threats and violence.
In response to these developments, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the agency is ramping up measures to address the escalating aggression directed at Tesla. A specialized task force has been established to enhance cooperation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating these occurrences. Patel labeled these acts as “domestic terrorism” and vowed on social media to ensure those responsible are tracked down and held accountable.