In recent weeks, Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the U.S. have been targets of vandalism and attacks, particularly as Elon Musk’s political affiliations and support for Donald Trump have stirred controversy.
This wave of destruction seems to have gained momentum as political tensions rise, especially among left-leaning protesters who see Musk’s support of Trump as a betrayal.
However, one key figure, Karoline Leavitt, has pointed out the irony in these actions and shed light on the conflicting political views at play.
Karoline Leavitt Highlights the Irony Behind Attacks on Tesla
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, appeared on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus to discuss the escalating vandalism against Tesla properties.
Leavitt emphasized the irony of these attacks, noting that many of the individuals whose Teslas are being destroyed are likely Democrats—those who once championed electric vehicles and Tesla’s mission.
According to Leavitt, the current wave of aggression against Tesla is largely driven by “Trump derangement syndrome,” stemming from Musk’s political stance.
“Ironically, many of the people driving these electric vehicles, which the left used to praise, are now victims of violence simply because Elon Musk decided to support and vote for Donald Trump,” she told host Harris Faulkner.
The attacks, she argued, reflect a major double standard and show how political polarization has seeped into every aspect of life, including consumer choices and public safety.
Violent Attacks and the Growing Threat to Tesla
The vandalism has escalated to frightening levels. Just this week, a dealership in Las Vegas was set on fire in what appears to be a firebombing attack, where multiple Tesla vehicles were engulfed in flames.
This act follows a string of similar attacks across the country, with hackers even releasing personal information of Tesla owners, including addresses and phone numbers, through a website that uses a Molotov cocktail as its cursor.
The online harassment further demonstrates the extent to which the political climate is driving dangerous behaviors.
Legal Action and Heightened Penalties for Those Behind the Attacks
In response to the increasing number of attacks, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that three individuals have been charged for their involvement in the destruction of Tesla properties.
The first to be charged, Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon.
His arrest came shortly after he allegedly attempted to burn down the dealership with a heavy object and a suppressed AR-15 rifle in his possession.
Following Lansky’s arrest, Lucy Grace Nelson, also known as Justin Thomas Nelson, 42, was apprehended in Colorado after attempting to ignite Molotov cocktails near another Tesla dealership.
A few weeks later, Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, was charged for vandalizing a dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, spray-painting political slogans, and setting fire to several charging stations.
Serious Consequences for the Perpetrators
All three suspects are facing serious charges, including arson and possession of unregistered destructive devices, which could result in up to 20 years in prison.
Leavitt, along with the Department of Justice, has issued a strong warning to anyone involved in such violent acts, stressing that they will face severe legal consequences for their actions.
Leavitt’s comments reflect the growing concern over the escalation of political violence and the targeting of individuals and companies associated with controversial figures like Elon Musk.
“The Department of Justice will put you behind bars if you engage in domestic terrorism against Tesla properties,” said Bondi.
The Political Violence May Not End Soon
Despite the legal actions being taken against the perpetrators, former FBI special agent Michael Tabman expressed concerns that political violence could continue to rise as Trump’s influence grows within the government.
“I fear that more violence is on its way,” Tabman said, indicating that the tensions surrounding Musk’s political alliance with Trump will likely keep fueling the attacks.
Tabman does not foresee an end to these violent incidents anytime soon, adding that individuals will likely continue targeting Musk and Tesla, especially as long as Musk aligns himself with Trump.