Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle company, has found itself at the center of a series of vandalism and arson attacks, with significant damages inflicted on its dealerships and charging stations across the United States. Three individuals have been charged in connection with these incidents and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The suspects include Lucy Nelson, who was spotted near a Tesla dealership in Colorado and charged with possession of a destructive device and malicious destruction of property. In North Charleston, South Carolina, Daniel Clarke-Pounder, aged 24, faces charges of arson for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla charging stations and spray-painting the car park. In another incident, Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, was charged after Molotov cocktails were thrown at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon. The damages from this attack alone were estimated to be between $5,000 and $20,000.
These acts of vandalism are considered by Attorney General Bondi as domestic terrorism due to their severity and targeting of a specific business entity. Bondi emphasized the gravity of these charges by stating:
"The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended."
The wave of protests and destructive acts against Tesla has been linked to CEO Elon Musk's perceived influence over the Trump administration. Both Trump and Musk have publicly labeled these coordinated attacks as domestic terrorism.
The impact on Tesla dealerships nationwide has been substantial, with several locations experiencing significant damage. In Salem, Oregon, the dealership not only suffered from fire damage but was also defaced with graffiti. These attacks highlight growing tensions surrounding political and corporate figures involved with the current administration.