FBI warns public to ‘exercise vigilance’ after Tesla vehicles, dealerships targeted in at least 9 states

As the FBI warned the public to “exercise vigilance” against potential vandals targeting Teslas, the White House had its own message for the “sick terrorist thugs.”

Since January of this year, nine different states have reported incidents of “arson, gunfire, and vandalism” targeting not only Tesla dealerships but storage lots and charging stations as well. Now, as President Donald Trump joined in Attorney General Pam Bondi’s warning against “domestic terrorism,” the FBI was cautioning the public to be on alert for “suspicious activities.”

In a statement released Friday by the bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the agency made clear, “Individuals require little planning to use rudimentary tactics, such as improvised incendiary devices and firearms and may perceive these attacks as victimless property crimes.”

“The FBI urges the public to exercise vigilance and to look out for suspicious activity in areas occupied by Tesla dealerships or Tesla-related entities,” continued the statement that provided examples like online threats, surveillance of Tesla-related entities and efforts to access restricted areas. “Be aware of your surroundings at all times and report suspicious activities to the authorities.”

The FBI #IC3 is notifying the public of individuals who have targeted Tesla dealerships & related infrastructure with arson, gunfire & vandalism in at least 9 states. Citizens are asked to be vigilant & contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) to report a threat. https://t.co/4xodOoNzlN pic.twitter.com/QLaudgbIfd

— FBI Las Vegas (@FBILasVegas) March 22, 2025

The warning from the FBI came as Bondi had announced federal charges against three individuals alleged to have committed crimes related to Tesla, including one Lucy Grace Nelson — a man born Justin Thomas Nelson — who was said to have been “in possession of materials used to produce additional incendiary weapons” after he allegedly tried to set vehicles at a Colorado Tesla dealership on fire with Molotov cocktails.

America’s top cop made clear that the three alleged vandals arrested were facing anywhere from five to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

“The days of committing crimes without consequences have ended,” asserted the attorney general. “Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.”

It had also been reported that a site dubbed “Dogequest,” which had since been pulled down, was doxxing Tesla owners and promised to only remove an individual’s information if they shared proof they’d sold their vehicle as leftists had intensified their backlash against the Elon Musk-led company over the billionaire’s involvement with the administration and the Department of Government Efficiency.

In the wake of deporting alleged Tren de Aragua gang members to El Salvador after striking a deal with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump made clear just how seriously the administration was responding to actions that could be considered domestic terrorism. He also included those who may be financially supporting the alleged vandals as he warned, “People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!”

“I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20 year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla. Perhaps they could serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions!” the president went on to state.

Vice President J.D. Vance shared part of that remark with his own on X as he posted, “The people attacking Teslas are trying to send the message that if you support President Trump, they will commit acts of violence to try to intimidate you. Our message to them? Terrorists in this country will be brought to justice.”

The people attacking Teslas are trying to send the message that if you support President Trump, they will commit acts of violence to try to intimidate you.

Our message to them? Terrorists in this country will be brought to justice. https://t.co/c2bKamgrH1

— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) March 21, 2025

Staff Writer

Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn’t researching current events and their impacts, you’ll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.

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