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As vandalism against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations continues to escalate across the country, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to those responsible.
In a social media post early Friday morning, Trump declared that individuals caught sabotaging Tesla property could face up to 20 years in prison.
“People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!” Trump wrote.
Trump even suggested that those found guilty could be sent to prisons in El Salvador, referring to his administration’s controversial policy of deporting alleged gang members to the country, despite a court order blocking the move.
“I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20-year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla,” he added. “Perhaps they would serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions.”
Wave of Tesla Attacks Draws FBI Attention
The FBI confirmed Friday evening that attacks targeting Tesla properties have been recorded in at least nine states since January. The incidents include arson, gunfire, and graffiti.
“These criminal actions appear to have been conducted by lone offenders, and all known incidents occurred at night,” the FBI said in a public statement. “Individuals require little planning to use rudimentary tactics, such as improvised incendiary devices and firearms, and may perceive these attacks as victimless property crimes.”
Recent Tesla-related attacks have been reported in Seattle, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Charleston, and other cities nationwide.
Arrests and Legal Action
Federal prosecutors announced that three individuals have been charged in connection with recent Tesla property attacks:
- Adam Lansky of Salem, Oregon – charged with illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device (March 5)
- Lucy Grace Nelson of Lyons, Colorado – charged with malicious destruction of property (Feb. 27)
- Daniel Clarke-Pounder of North Charleston, South Carolina – charged with arson (March 15)
Nelson has pleaded not guilty, while Lansky and Clarke-Pounder have yet to enter pleas.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also issued a warning, stating that those responsible will face the “full force of the law”.
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi said. “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.”
Tesla Stocks Plunge Amid Growing Attacks
Beyond the vandalism surge, Tesla is facing financial turmoil. The company’s stock has plummeted nearly 48% this year, and in recent weeks, four top Tesla executives have sold off $100 million in stock, according to SEC filings.
Musk, who also owns X (formerly Twitter), reacted to Trump’s comments by amplifying posts calling for legal action against those funding anti-Tesla efforts.
Meanwhile, Tesla has yet to issue an official statement on the growing threats and financial impact of the attacks.
Ongoing Investigations & Public Alerts
Authorities are continuing to investigate recent incidents, including:
- A fire at a Tesla charging station in Fargo, North Dakota, deemed “suspicious” by investigators.
- The defacement of a Tesla Cybertruck in New York City, where two men spray-painted a swastika on the vehicle. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating.
Officials are urging the public to report any suspicious activity near Tesla dealerships and charging stations as concerns over continued vandalism mount.
