Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced federal charges against three individuals involved in violent protests against Tesla dealerships and products, labelling the protests “domestic terrorism.”
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi said in a statement.
“Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.”
Daniel Clarke-Pounder, Adam Matthew Lansky and Justin Thomas Nelson were all charged in connection with the protests.
Clarke-Pounder was charged with arson of property in interstate commerce after setting fire to a Tesla charging station in South Carolina. He wrote “F*ck Trump” and “Long Live Ukraine” in spraypaint before hurling Molotov cocktails at the charger. Agents found a notebook in Clarke-Pounder’s apartment containing statements against the Department of Government Efficiency, which is run by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Lansky threw Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Oregon, causing half a million dollars in damages.
Nelson, a male-female transgender, spray-painted “Nazi” on a Tesla dealership in Colorado. He is also suspected of setting fire to a Cybertruck.
Each man faces between five and 20 years in prison if convicted.