Elon Musk has announced his strategy to combat what he refers to as ‘domestic terrorists’ who are targeting Tesla vehicles and showrooms.
Across the nation, Tesla cars and their dealerships have been subjected to a series of attacks as outraged liberals protest Musk’s significant reductions to federal funding. Last month, Donald Trump declared that anyone involved in such vandalism would be labeled as domestic terrorists, a statement Musk echoed on Tuesday.
“This is fundamentally an act of terrorism,” he stated during an interview with Jeanine Pirro on Fox News’ The Five. “It represents widespread domestic terrorism aimed at intimidation, and it is endangering innocent lives. It is truly appalling.”
Musk further expressed his belief that the federal government should specifically target those orchestrating the protests, including the Global Day of Action that affected 500 Tesla showrooms worldwide over the weekend.
“We need to focus on the individuals who are organizing and financing these attacks and protests,” Musk emphasized.
“Those are the individuals we must pursue, as the ones throwing Molotov cocktails are merely the foot soldiers; we need to go after the leaders.”
He noted that the president has made it clear that efforts will be directed at those funding and organizing these violent actions, a sentiment echoed by Attorney General Bondi. “I am confident that this is precisely what will occur,” he concluded.Musk has previously asserted that an ‘investigation’ into the often intense protests occurring at Tesla dealerships revealed that Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, and investor George Soros, aged 94, were financially supporting these protests via the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue.
Musk stated on X, “An investigation has identified five groups funded by ActBlue that are responsible for the Tesla protests: Troublemakers, Disruption Project, Rise & Resist, Indivisible Project, and Democratic Socialists of America.”
He further noted, “ActBlue’s financial backers include George Soros and Reid Hoffman. Currently, ActBlue is under investigation for allegedly permitting foreign and illegal donations, which would violate campaign finance laws.”
Musk also mentioned that this week, seven senior officials from ActBlue, including the associate general counsel, resigned. He encouraged his more than 200 million followers to share any information they might have on the matter.
Both Soros and Hoffman are prominent Democratic donors, contributing millions to support liberal candidates and causes. However, Soros’ organization, Open Society Foundations, informed DailyMail.com that it is “not funding these protests or attacks. Any claims to the contrary are false. We do not coordinate, train, or strategize with protest organizers or participants.”
Hoffman has similarly refuted the allegations, stating on social media, “I do not condone violence. However, it is evident that Americans are frustrated with him – it is easier to rationalize their anger than to acknowledge that actions have consequences.” Musk expressed his belief that the federal government should specifically target those responsible for organizing the protests. An investigator from the ATF and a member of the Seattle Fire Department were seen examining charred Tesla Cybertrucks on March 10.Musk has previously asserted that George Soros and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman are financing the protests against Tesla.
His comments on Tuesday followed a warning from Attorney General Bondi, who cautioned individuals contemplating the destruction of Tesla dealerships and properties that they would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
In a brief video shared on X on Monday, Bondi reiterated that any individuals who vandalize or attack Teslas and their dealerships would be classified as ‘domestic terrorists.’
“I have made it clear – if you participate in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will locate you, arrest you, and ensure you serve time in prison,” Bondi stated. She added, “Justice is on its way.”
Bondi also revealed that the Department of Justice had unsealed federal charges against Cooper Frederick, 24, for ‘firebombing’ a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado, on March 7.
The FBI successfully tracked down and apprehended Frederick in Plano, Texas.
“Let this serve as a warning – you can flee, but you cannot evade justice,” Bondi remarked regarding the nationwide pursuit to capture the suspect.
“All of these incidents pose a significant threat to public safety. Therefore, there will be no room for negotiation,” she emphasized.
“We are pursuing a 20-year prison sentence,” she stated concerning the charges against Frederick.Charges have also been filed against Cooper Frederick, 24, who allegedly attacked a dealership in Loveland, Colorado, and was subsequently apprehended in Plano, Texas.
Previously, Bondi had announced charges against three additional individuals.
The first individual, Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, is accused of launching Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon, on January 20. Prosecutors allege that he was armed with a suppressed AR-15 during the incident.
A week later, 42-year-old Lucy Grace Nelson, also known as Justin Thomas Nelson, was arrested in Loveland, Colorado, after reportedly being caught trying to ignite Molotov cocktails near a dealership. Authorities claim that Nelson was found with a container of gasoline, bottles, and wicks, which were intended for use in creating incendiary devices.
On March 7, Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, allegedly vandalized a dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, by spray-painting messages such as ‘f*** Trump’ and ‘Long Live Ukraine’ before setting three charging stations ablaze.
Lansky and Nelson face charges of arson of property in interstate commerce and possession of an unregistered destructive device, while Clarke-Pounder is charged solely with arson of property in interstate commerce.
According to the Department of Justice, all three suspects could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
