Karoline Leavitt Accuses Tesla Attackers Of Domestic Terrorism Against ‘Innocent Americans’

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the string of attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships acts of domestic terrorism against the company and “innocent Americans.”

Leavitt said Wednesday during a press briefing that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is “investigating these events as acts of domestic terrorism, and we fully condemn them,” in response to a question from Daily Caller White House Correspondent Reagan Reese.

“We think it’s despicable what is happening to not just this American company, but also their innocent employees and again, innocent Americans who drive these vehicles,” Leavitt continued. “We condemn it wholeheartedly.”

Leavitt’s response comes after at least five Tesla vehicles suffered damage from a fire started at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). Officers arrived at the scene to discover “several Teslas ablaze and the word ‘RESIST’ spray-painted on the front of the business,” the department said.

ME: “Across the country, Tesla cars are being lit on fire…. Does the White House have any indication that this is some sort of coordinated movement that’s being funded by some outside group?”@PressSec: “[@AGPamBondi] is investigating these events as acts of domestic… pic.twitter.com/b4KTA3O4q4

— Reagan Reese (@reaganreese_) March 19, 2025

Witnesses spotted a suspect in black clothing lighting multiple cars on fire and it was later learned Molotov cocktails and a firearm were used, according to the LVMPD. Officials said at least three rounds were discharged into the cars.

“This appears to be a targeted attack on a #Tesla facility. There is no ongoing threat, but out of an abundance of caution, we have increased patrols around Tesla locations,” the police department said.

The LVMPD shared video from afar, showing the vehicles engulfed in flames as their alarms sounded. Police continue to search for a suspect. (RELATED: Several Charging Stations Set On Fire As Backlash Against Musk Intensifies Around World, Turns Violent)

NEW VIDEO: LVMPD Investigating Arson & Vandalism at Tesla Facility

At approximately 2:45 AM, LVMPD received multiple 911 calls reporting vehicles on fire at a Tesla collision and sales center near the 6200 block of Badura. Witnesses reported seeing a suspect in black clothing… pic.twitter.com/GDIuMhsfjg

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) March 18, 2025

“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said in a statement Tuesday. “The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences.”

“We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes,” the statement continued.

There have been several incidents connected to arson and vandalism against Tesla charging stations, dealerships and vehicles since Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk began working as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Two Tesla Cybertrucks went up in flames at a Kansas City, Missouri dealership on Monday night, ABC News reported, citing local police. On March 13, several shots were fired at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, Oregon, according to the Tigard Police Department (TPD). Officials said “more than a dozen shots were fired at the dealership causing extensive damage to cars and showroom windows.” Police did not report any injuries. A similar incident happened in the city one week prior, the TPD said.