Three people are accused of destroying Tesla cars and charging stations in different states. They could face up to 20 years in prison. US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charges on Thursday. She warned that crimes like this will not go unpunished. โIf you attack Tesla properties, we will put you behind bars,โ she said.
Tesla Vandals Attacks Happened in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina
The suspects were arrested in three states. They are accused of using weapons and fire to damage Tesla property. Investigators believe the attacks happened because of Elon Muskโs role in the Trump administration. The suspects used Molotov cocktails, spray paint, and firearms to cause damage.
Oregon Man Used Rifle and Firebombs on Tesla Dealership
In Oregon, Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, carried an AR-15 rifle and threw eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem on January 20. A month later, on February 19, he returned. This time, he shot out a window and fired bullets into a car. Authorities say he planned the attacks carefully and targeted Tesla specifically.
Colorado Woman Vandalized Cars With Paint and Fire
In Colorado, Lucy Grace Nelson, 40, allegedly tried to set Tesla cars on fire at a dealership in Loveland. The town is 45 miles north of Denver. Investigators say she spray-painted โNazi carsโ across several vehicles before throwing Molotov cocktails at them. She was arrested but released the next day on a $100,000 bond. Authorities believe she acted alone and had planned the attack in advance.
South Carolina Suspect Attacked Charging Stations With Firebombs
In South Carolina, Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, vandalized Tesla charging stations in Charleston. He painted anti-Trump messages like โFโ Trumpโ and โLong live Ukraineโ before throwing five Molotov cocktails at the stations. One of the firebombs exploded and set him on fire, but he managed to put it out. Authorities believe he wanted to send a political message with his attack.
Minimum Sentence for Tesla Vandals Is Five Years but Could Be Longer
Each suspect faces at least five years in prison. The maximum sentence is 20 years. Prosecutors say the suspects planned their attacks and used dangerous weapons. Investigators are gathering more evidence to support the charges. Additional legal action may follow if new information is uncovered.
Officials Debate Whether It Qualifies as Domestic Terrorism
Attorney General Bondi called the attacks โdomestic terrorism.โ But right now, the charges do not officially qualify as terrorism. It is unclear if that will change. Some legal experts say the crimes meet the definition of terrorism because they targeted a company for political reasons. Others argue the law does not apply in this case. The Justice Department is still reviewing the situation.
President Trump Promises to Catch More Tesla Attackers
President Trump spoke about the attacks on March 11. He called the suspects โbad guysโ and promised to catch them. He even bought a Tesla himself to show support for the company. โWe will stop them,โ he said. โThey will go through hell.โ Law enforcement agencies are now watching for any future attacks. Authorities say they will respond quickly to protect Tesla properties and hold criminals accountable.
