Tesla vandals accused of ‘domestic terrorism’ after string of attacks

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Attacks on Tesla property are occurring across the U.S. and overseas. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations and privately owned cars have been targeted.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement on March 18 regarding a spate of recent attacks on Tesla property:

“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences. We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes.”

(by Alex Oliveira, NY Post) – Three people accused of destroying Tesla cars and charging stations are facing up to 20 years in prison for “domestic terrorism,” US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday.

“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi said in a March 20 statement.

“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,” she added.

The defendants — whose cases are being brought in Colorado, Oregon and South Carolina — are accused of using high-powered weapons and explosives to destroy property belonging to the Elon Musk-owned car company, which has been targeted in recent weeks over his role in the Trump administration.

In Oregon, Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, allegedly carried a suppressed AR-15 rifle while lobbing eight Molotov cocktails at a Salem Tesla dealership Jan. 20. Almost exactly one month later, on Feb. 19, investigators say Lansky returned to the dealership and shot out one of the windows and fired bullets into a car, according to Fox12.

Lansky is charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm.

In Colorado, Lucy Grace Nelson, 40, is charged with malicious destruction of property after allegedly trying to light Tesla cars on fire at a dealership in Loveland, 45 miles north of Denver.

Investigators say Nelson spray-painted “Nazi cars” across the vehicles before tossing Molotov cocktails at them. She was released on $100,000 bond a day after her arrest in February.

Finally, Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, is accused of arson of property in interstate commerce after he allegedly vandalized Tesla charging stations in Charleston, SC earlier this month with profane anti-Trump rhetoric, then torched them.

According to authorities, Clarke-Pounder scrawled “F— Trump” and “Long live the Ukraine” across the charging stations before throwing five Molotov cocktails at them, with one of the homemade bombs lighting the suspect on fire before he put himself out.

Each faces a minimum of five years in prison if convicted, but the charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Despite Bondi’s [warning against domestic terrorism, there is no stand-alone federal law that defines and criminalizes “domestic terrorism” with penalties. Only states have laws against domestic terrorism. The FBI and other federal agencies investigate and prosecute acts of domestic terrorism under existing federal laws, such as those related to violence, conspiracy, or providing material support to terrorist organizations].

President Trump has been outspoken about [apprehending] the people targeting Teslas across the country – and has called them domestic terrorists when speaking about them.

“I’m going to stop them,” the president said March 11 after buying a Tesla himself to show support for Musk and the company. “We’re going to catch them, they’re bad guys.” …

Published at NYPost .com on March 20. Reprinted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced on other websites without permission.

Questions

NOTE: Before answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources.”

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) What criminal actions did Adam Matthew Lansky take against Tesla?
b) What charges were brought against him?

3. a) What malicious actions did Lucy Grace Nelson take against Tesla?
b) What charges were brought against him?

4. a) What did Daniel Clarke-Pounder do?
b) What accusations were brought against him?

5. a) Why can’t the three actually be charged with domestic terrorism?
b) What penalties are each of the three above facing?

6. Pay attention to any news reports you see on the attacks on Tesla. Most reports note that the attacks started after Elon Musk began leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying as CBS News did that the attacks began after Elon “took on the job of slashing government funding.” or as the Independent noted after Elon started the “controversial program overseeing massive spending cuts inside the federal government.”

However, the DOGE team is not “slashing government funding” but rather auditing the various federal agencies and identifying wasteful spending, fraud and abuse that will allow the Trump administration to eliminate any waste of taxpayer money and make the government run more efficiently, just as any company would do through an audit.

a) Why do you think there is such opposition by Democrats in Congress and the left in general to cutting out government waste, fraud and abuse?
b) Ask a parent the same question.

7. Watch the interview with Elon Musk, (under “Resources” below) who says in part:

“Tesla is a peaceful company. We’ve never done anything harmful. …I’ve never done anything awful. I’ve only done productive things. So I think they’re just deranged…because this doesn’t make any sense.

And I think there are larger forces at work as well. I mean, I don’t know who’s funding it and who’s coordinating it because this is, this is crazy.”

CNN’s conservative commentator Scott Jennings said of the attacks in part:

“doubtful it’s Republicans attacking Tesla dealerships around the country. …That video looks like terrorism to me. I mean, it’s obviously an organized, coordinated effort. However people are — are communicating with each other, to do this to people around the country who chose to buy a Tesla…”

Vice President Vance said in an interview Thursday:

“My guess is that if we do get to the bottom of this, we’re going to find out that there are some very crazy, very deranged, but very wealthy left-wing people who are funding this stuff.”

Reader comments include:

“There are websites that post doxxing info of tesla owners and other such sites that incite and encourage the destruction of teslas. it shouldn’t be too hard for the FBI to figure this out and [arrest] everyone involved.”
“Hope they subpoena bank accounts to determine whether one or more of them has an unusual income stream or a sudden bump in income. Then follow the money back to its source. This widespread attack on Tesla Has a coordinated center. It’s time the FBI used its technology to find those who are funding domestic terrorism.”
“…None of these protests are organic they’re funded.”

What do you think? Are protests and acts of domestic terrorism against Tesla across the country random acts of rage? Explain your answer.

8. Tesla was recently removed from the Vancouver International Auto Show, with event organizers citing safety concerns. Fearing attacks from domestic terrorists, organizers said the show’s “primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff.”
Individual Tesla owners have had their cars vandalized, dealerships have experienced protests.
Do you think these types of threats would cause you to avoid buying a Tesla – or to sell one if you owned it? Explain your answer.

Background

Domestic terrorism: Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature (from FBI.gov)

There is no stand-alone federal law that defines and criminalizes “domestic terrorism” with penalties.
Instead, the FBI and other federal agencies investigate and prosecute acts of domestic terrorism under existing federal laws, such as those related to violence, conspiracy, or providing material support to terrorist organizations.
Some states have their own laws that criminalize domestic terrorism, but these are state-level offenses, not federal.
The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating and preventing acts of domestic and international terrorism.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have developed standard definitions of terminology related to domestic terrorism and uniform methodologies for tracking domestic terrorism incidents.
(from a google search, AI overview result)

Below is a compiled list of reported attacks on Tesla facilities, vehicles, and related infrastructure as of March 20, 2025, based on available information. This list focuses on physical attacks, vandalism, and arson incidents targeting Tesla, [we have included only those reported in the U.S.], as documented in recent reports. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of every incident… but reflects notable events from the provided context, particularly those tied to recent backlash against Elon Musk’s involvement with DOGE.

Attacks on Tesla in the United States:

January 29 – February 11, 2025 – Loveland, Colorado
Details: Lucy Grace Nelson allegedly vandalized a Tesla dealership over multiple incidents. She spray-painted “Nazi” on vehicles and the store, threw Molotov cocktails (one near a Cybertruck), and caused between $5,000 and $20,000 in damage. Arrested on February 24 with additional Molotov cocktails found in her car.
Outcome: Faces federal charges including malicious destruction of property, with a potential 20-year sentence if convicted.

February 19, 2025 – Salem, Oregon
Details: Adam Lansky allegedly attacked a Tesla service center with Molotov cocktails, damaging seven vehicles (one destroyed) and causing $500,000 in damage.
Outcome: Arrested and charged; linked to a later shooting at the same location.

March 3, 2025 – Littleton, Massachusetts
Details: Seven Tesla charging stations at The Point Shopping Center were set on fire at 1 a.m., deemed intentional by police. No injuries reported.
Outcome: Under investigation as suspected arson.

March 6, 2025 – Tigard, Oregon
Details: A Tesla dealership was shot at, with at least seven bullets hitting a Cybertruck and shattering windows. No injuries reported.
Outcome: Investigated by Tigard police, FBI, and ATF; motivation unconfirmed but possibly political.

March 9, 2025 – Seattle, Washington
Details: Four Tesla Cybertrucks were damaged in a fire at a dealership. The origin is unclear and under investigation.
Outcome: No arrests reported; investigation ongoing.

March 11, 2025 – Dedham, Massachusetts
Details: Three Tesla vehicles at a dealership were vandalized, with all four wheels on each damaged and two defaced with spray paint.
Outcome: Under police investigation.

March 13, 2025 – Tigard, Oregon (Second Incident)
Details: Over a dozen shots were fired at the same Tesla dealership previously hit on March 6, damaging cars and windows. A security guard was present but unharmed.
Outcome: Second attack in a week; police note possible political targeting but motive unclear.

March 17, 2025 – Kansas City, Missouri
Details: Two Tesla Cybertrucks caught fire at a dealership, suspected to be arson.
Outcome: Kansas City police investigating; no arrests reported.

March 18, 2025 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Details: At least five Tesla vehicles at a Tesla Collision Center were set on fire using Molotov cocktails, with three gunshots fired at additional cars. The word “RESIST” was spray-painted on the facility doors.
Outcome: Las Vegas police and FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigating; deemed a “targeted attack” with “hallmarks” of terrorism.

Undated (Early March 2025) – Lynnwood, Washington
Details: Six Teslas at a dealership were vandalized, including one Cybertruck graffitied with swastikas.
Outcome: Lynnwood police investigating.

Undated (Early March 2025) – South Carolina
Details: A Tesla charging station was attacked with Molotov cocktails, and the ground was spray-painted with “LONG LIVE UKRAINE” and an expletive aimed at President Trump. Suspect Daniel Clarke-Pounder arrested.
Outcome: Charged with arson of property in interstate commerce; anti-government writings found.

Undated (Early March 2025) – Maryland
Details: Graffiti reading “No Musk” with a swastika-like symbol was spray-painted on a Tesla dealership, following a protest the previous day.
Outcome: Under investigation.

This list reflects incidents up to March 20, 2025, based on available reports. Investigations are ongoing for many cases, and additional attacks may have occurred that are not yet documented or were not included in the provided context. For the most current updates, further monitoring of news sources or official statements from Tesla, law enforcement, or Musk would be necessary.

(from an AI Grok search “list all attacks on Tesla”)