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President Donald Trump warned that those sabotaging Tesla vehicles could face up to 20 years in jail, following a series of attacks on the cars.
Trump buys Tesla to show his support for Elon Musk amid backlash.
United States President Donald Trump has said people sabotaging Tesla vehicles “will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years”. Trump’s warning comes amid a string of attacks on Tesla vehicles, charging stations, and showrooms.
Taking to Truth Social, an alt-tech social media platform owned by Trump Media And Technology Group (TMTG), Truth stated, “People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!”
Rise In Attacks On Tesla Property
Attacks on properties linked to Elon Musk’s Tesla are increasing both in the US and abroad. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations, and private cars have been targeted.
The rise in incidents coincides with President Trump’s first term, where he empowered Musk to lead a new department focused on cutting government spending. Experts on extremism warn it’s unclear if these attacks will become a long-term trend.
In Trump’s first term, his properties became protest hotspots; now, Tesla is taking that role. “Tesla is an easy target,” says sociologist Randy Blazak. “They’re on our streets, with dealerships in our neighbourhoods.”
Critics of Musk have organised numerous peaceful protests at Tesla locations. Some Tesla owners, including a US senator, have pledged to sell their cars, but attacks are keeping law enforcement busy.
In Colorado, a woman faces charges related to Molotov cocktails thrown at Tesla dealerships, while in South Carolina, a man was arrested for setting fire to charging stations. The suspect had anti-government and anti-Doge writings in his possession.
Prominent incidents have occurred in left-leaning cities like Portland and Seattle. In Oregon, a man faces charges for attacking a Tesla store with Molotov cocktails and gunfire. In Seattle, four Cybertrucks were burned, and a Tesla Model S was set on fire. In Las Vegas, several Teslas were burned, with “resist” spray-painted on a service centre. Authorities believe Molotov cocktails and gunfire were used in the attacks.
