Explosive Devices Found at Tesla Dealership in Austin Amid Nationwide Attacks

The Austin Police Department says that multiple explosive devices were found at a Tesla store in Austin, Texas, on Monday morning. This makes the dealership the latest target in a growing number of attacks. Just after 8 a.m., police went to the store on U.S. Route 183 and called the Austin Police Bomb Squad. 

The bomb squad found that the devices were meant to start fires and safely took them into custody. The investigation is now led by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). They say these events are part of a larger pattern of attacks on Tesla properties nationwide.

Law enforcement sources say that since January, at least 48 attacks on Teslas have been recorded in nine states. In Las Vegas, Seattle, Kansas City, Charleston, and other places, these kinds of crimes have been reported. They include setting fires, shooting people, and damaging property. A special task team has been set up by the FBI to track down and stop more violent acts.

In a statement, the FBI said, "The FBI will never give up on its mission to protect the American people." "Acts of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism — like the recent Tesla attacks — will be pursued with the full force of the law."

Government officials think that most of the attacks are being done by lone criminals using simple tools like guns and homemade firestarters. Most of the crimes have happened at night, which suggests that the criminals may see these crimes as harmless damage to property. That being said, the FBI has warned people to stay alert because things could get worse.

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has recently worked with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, which has led to more rumors that the attacks may have been politically motivated. Even though no suspects have been named in public, officials are keeping a closer eye on Tesla facilities and making them safer.

As the investigation goes on, people who see anything fishy near Tesla dealerships or charging points should report it right away, according to officials.

‍