In a sweeping announcement that has intensified scrutiny on federal security measures, FBI Deputy Director
Dan Bongino revealed that the bureau is actively investigating a series of violent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships, as well as related swatting incidents.
The revelations come amid a broader political debate over federal spending cuts and are being condemned
as acts of domestic terrorism by President Donald Trump and top administration officials.I. A Surge of Violent
Incidents Targeting Tesla
Recent weeks have seen a series of brazen attacks on Tesla properties that have alarmed both law enforcement and the public. In one particularly harrowing
incident at a Tesla collision center in Las Vegas, multiple vehicles were set ablaze, and the word “Resist” was spray-painted on the building. According to the Las Vegas Police Department, a masked individual, armed with incendiary devices, approached
the center and ignited several Tesla vehicles. Witnesses report that the suspect also fired at least three rounds from a firearm during the attack, though authorities have not confirmed any injuries from gunfire.
The FBI’s investigation into these acts is part of a broader inquiry led by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Bongino stated on Fox News
Channel’s Sean Hannity that the incidents, which have struck Tesla dealerships and collision centers in cities such as Las Vegas and Kansas City, appear to be coordinated efforts. “Our teams are actively
working on the Tesla incidents and the swatting incidents, along with our other responsibilities to keep the Homeland safe,” he affirmed in a recent social media post.
II. Understanding Swatting and Its Dangers
Swatting—a criminal tactic where false emergency calls are made to dispatch armed police officers to an unsuspecting target’s location—has also emerged as a significant threat in connection with these attacks.
This form of harassment is particularly dangerous because it places innocent individuals at risk and can escalate into violent confrontations.In a separate incident in Kansas City, Missouri, the FBI, in collaboration with local police and the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is investigating damage to Tesla Cyber Trucks at a dealership. Reports suggest that swatting tactics may have been used to disrupt the business, further highlighting a growing trend of targeted harassment against companies linked to high-profile political figures.The global reach of these incidents is notable as well.
In Canada, a Tesla exhibit was abruptly pulled from the Vancouver International Auto Show amid safety concerns, suggesting that the trend of anti-Tesla vandalism extends beyond U.S. borders. Critics of the
current federal administration argue that such acts are not isolated but form part of a broader movement aimed at undermining the operations of Tesla and, by extension, its influential CEO Elon Musk.
III. Administration Response: Labeling the Attacks as Domestic Terrorism
Top officials in the Trump administration have wasted no time condemning these incidents. President Trump, along with other high‑ranking figures, has described the attacks on Tesla vehicles and swatting incidents as acts of “domestic terrorism.”
Their rhetoric points to a deliberate effort to destabilize public order and undermine the administration’s initiatives, particularly those linked to
DOGE-driven budget cuts and federal spending reforms.Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaking on Fox News, asserted that the Department of Justice would aggressively pursue those responsible. “We are coming after you. If you are part of an organized group funding these attacks, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,”
Bondi warned in a recent interview. Her remarks underscore a commitment to not only stopping these violent actions but also to exposing any underlying networks that might be orchestrating them.
The administration’s stance is clear: these violent disruptions and swatting incidents are viewed as a direct threat to public safety and national security. By linking these events to broader efforts
to cut waste and corruption within federal agencies, the administration aims to build a narrative that contrasts its tough enforcement policies with what it sees as the inaction and leniency of previous administrations.
IV. The Role of DOGE and Federal Accountability
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has played a pivotal role in bringing these issues to light. DOGE’s investigations have uncovered systemic inefficiencies and questionable spending practices
that, according to Musk, amount to “magic money computers” issuing funds without proper oversight. Now, the agency is expanding its focus to include violent incidents linked to those practices, such as the attacks on Tesla properties.Musk has repeatedly emphasized that the federal government’s financial practices are riddled with inconsistencies, and these acts of violence against
Tesla facilities further highlight the urgency of reform. By targeting companies like Tesla—pioneers in the electric vehicle market and symbols of innovation—the administration seeks to demonstrate that no institution, regardless of its political connections, is above scrutiny.
The findings by DOGE have significant implications. They not only call into question the integrity of federal spending but also suggest that the very systems meant to manage these funds are vulnerable to abuse.
As federal agencies work to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately, the discovery of these “magic money computers” has fueled demands for more transparency and accountability.
V. Law Enforcement Collaboration and the Path Forward
In response to these alarming events, multiple law enforcement agencies have joined forces. The FBI, ATF, and local police in various cities are collaborating on investigations,
pooling resources and intelligence to identify those behind the attacks. A key focus is determining whether these violent acts are the work of isolated individuals or part of an organized campaign.
Early indications suggest that there may be a coordinated effort, which, if proven, could lead to significant criminal charges.“Ensuring the safety of American citizens is our top priority,” said Border
Tom Homan. “Our teams are working tirelessly to track down every individual responsible for these attacks, whether they are operating alone or as part of a larger network.” Homan’s remarks emphasize that
the investigation is not just about retribution—it is about restoring public trust in federal law enforcement and ensuring that violent criminal behavior is met with swift justice.