Overview

• The Department of Justice has charged three individuals with federal crimes for using Molotov cocktails to attack Tesla dealerships and charging stations in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled the attacks as 'domestic terrorism' and pledged harsh penalties, with charges carrying sentences of five to 20 years in prison.
• Tesla has experienced a wave of violence, including arson, shootings, and vandalism, targeting its properties and vehicles in at least ten states since January 2025.
• The attacks are widely seen as backlash against Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, which has implemented controversial federal budget cuts.
• Tesla's stock has plummeted over 40% year-to-date as the company faces operational challenges, political polarization, and declining sales.