Introduction to Tesla Attacks

The widening political divides in America following Donald Trump’s second presidential victory were expected to lead to increased tensions. However, the recent wave of violence targeting Tesla electric cars has taken many by surprise. Teslas have been set ablaze with Molotov cocktails, riddled with bullets, and defaced with swastikas. The doors and windows of once pristine luxury electric vehicle showrooms are now scrawled with profanity and Nazi symbols.

Background of the Attacks

Teslas, once the darling of alternative energy advocates, have become the unlikely target of political violence. Experts note that while the singling out of individual vehicles is unusual, activists focusing their ire on a corporation has a long history in America. No one has been seriously hurt in the incidents, but they have heightened alarm from both law enforcement officials and experts in political extremism about where this is heading.

Expert Insights

“We have a continuum of activity, some of which we rightfully tolerate, such as boisterous and passionate protests,” said Brian Levin, a professor emeritus at Cal State San Bernardino and an expert on extremism. “But now we’re getting to another level of this kind of directed arson and violence, which, to be sure, has an intimidation effect.” The Tesla attacks have been scattered and do not appear to be coordinated, but they seem to have in common a disdain for Tesla owner Elon Musk and his efforts to fire federal workers and shrink the size of government.

Law Enforcement Response

After Las Vegas was hit with a spate of Tesla attacks, Spencer Evans, FBI special agent in charge of the Las Vegas bureau, issued a warning to would-be political vandals. “Specifically to those who might think that something like this is justifiable or potentially even admirable, we want to let you know it’s a federal crime,” he said. “We will come after you, we will find you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. I encourage anyone that’s considering something like this to seriously reconsider.”

Historical Context

This isn’t the first time corporations or even car brands have been the target of political protest, and sometimes vandalism. Protests over Energy Transfer’s construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota drew national attention and thousands of people to months-long encampments in 2016 and 2017. A jury this week awarded damages of more than $660 million to the pipeline company in its lawsuit against Greenpeace over the environmental organization’s role in the protests.

Concerns Over Political Extremism

There have been growing concerns about political extremism in the United States in the Trump era, especially after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying election results. On his first day in office, President Trump granted sweeping pardons or commutations to more than 1,500 people convicted of Jan. 6 offenses. The pardons and now the efforts to protect Tesla have sent out a conflicting message about how the Trump administration will handle targeted political violence, Levin said.

Legal Implications

Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi labeled the attacks on Tesla dealerships this week as “nothing short of domestic terrorism.” Bondi promised to impose severe consequences on those involved in the Tesla attacks, including “those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes.” While domestic terrorism is defined in federal law, it’s not an official criminal statute that carries a specific penalty. Those arrested in the attacks have so far been charged under other federal statutes that can carry significant jail time.

Investigations and Arrests

Many of the investigations remain ongoing, but at least four people have been charged after allegedly destroying Tesla property. Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, of Salem, Ore., has been charged federally with illegally possessing an unregistered destructive device after authorities say he allegedly tried to destroy Teslas at a local dealership with Molotov cocktails. In Loveland, Colo., two people have been arrested after attacks on a Tesla dealership.

Peaceful Protests

Separately from the violence, peaceful protesters have mobilized around the country at Tesla dealerships. A group of women calling themselves the “Grandma Brigade” gathered outside the Tesla showroom and service center on Pullman Street in Costa Mesa this month to speak out against Musk’s involvement in the federal government. “Maybe if we hit back economically we’ll be able to show that the United States can’t be bought for a few million dollars from a rich man,” said Debbie Marsteller, one of the members of the group.

Conclusion

The Tesla attacks mark a troubling twist in political violence, with experts warning of an escalation in tactics. The response from law enforcement and the legal system will be crucial in determining how these acts are punished and potentially deterred. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the divide over Musk and his policies will impact the future of political activism and violence in America.

FAQs

1. What is the nature of the attacks on Tesla?

   • The attacks on Tesla include vehicles being set ablaze with Molotov cocktails, riddled with bullets, and defaced with swastikas and profanity.

2. Why are Teslas being targeted?

   • The targeting of Teslas appears to be linked to disdain for Elon Musk and his political actions, particularly his efforts to fire federal workers and shrink the size of government.

3. How have law enforcement and the government responded?

   • Law enforcement has issued warnings against such acts, promising severe consequences. The government has labeled these attacks as domestic terrorism, though the legal implications and charges are being handled under various federal statutes.

4. Are there any historical precedents for such corporate targeting?

   • Yes, corporations and car brands have been targets of political protest and vandalism in the past, such as the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline and the targeting of Hummers and other SUVs by environmental activists.
5. What is the concern among experts?
   • Experts are concerned about the escalation of political extremism and violence, especially given the mixed messages from the Trump administration regarding how it will handle targeted political violence.