US Attorney General Warns of 20-Year Prison Sentences for Damaging Elon Musk’s Tesla Vehicles | US News
The Attorney General of the United States has announced that three individuals accused of vandalizing Tesla vehicles and charging stations may face up to 20 years in prison.
Pamela Bondi disclosed undisclosed charges against these individuals, who allegedly used Molotov cocktails in what she described as a “surge of domestic terrorism.”
This news coincides with US safety regulators recalling nearly all Cybertrucks from Elon Musk‘s company due to a “serious road hazard” that heightens the potential for accidents.
A Tesla Cybertruck. File pic: AP
This marks the eighth safety recall for the Tesla in the past 15 months.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recalled over 46,000 Cybertrucks, warning that an exterior panel along the sides of the windshield could detach while the vehicle is in motion.
In a statement regarding the three individuals charged with vandalizing Tesla vehicles and charging stations, Ms. Bondi remarked, “The era of committing crimes without facing consequences is over.”
“Let this serve as a warning: if you engage in this wave of domestic terrorism targeting Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will ensure you are imprisoned.”
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The department reported that one of the individuals apprehended hurled eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon, while also carrying a suppressed AR-15 rifle.
Another individual allegedly attempted to ignite Tesla vehicles in Loveland, Colorado, using Molotov cocktails and was later discovered with materials for creating more incendiary devices.
A burned Tesla vehicle is shown at a Tesla centre in Las Vegas. Pic: AP
The third suspect allegedly inscribed “profane messages against President Trump” around Tesla charging stations before igniting them with petrol bombs in Charleston, South Carolina, according to the department.
All three individuals face charges that carry a minimum sentence of five years and could reach up to 20 years in prison, as stated by the authorities.
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Since Trump appointed the billionaire to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed at cutting US government spending, Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and privately-owned cars have faced ongoing attacks.
In addition to these violent incidents and the recalls, Tesla is grappling with heightened competition from rival electric vehicles, especially those emerging from China.
Although Thursday’s recall announcement had limited impact, Tesla’s shares have plummeted by 42% in 2025.
