Imagine completing your daily errands and returning to your car to find it vandalized. Now, imagine realizing that the person who carried out the attack followed you, and it might have been because of the type of car you drive.
Unfortunately, for many Tesla owners, this is becoming a harsh reality. Tesla vehicles have become the target of increasing vandalism across the country, and recent incidents in Houston have drawn attention to the growing trend.
In at least nine states, including Texas, right here in Houston, there have been reported attacks on Teslas. The FBI has now issued a public warning, urging Tesla owners to remain vigilant. The rise in these incidents is partly attributed to the current political climate, with some individuals targeting Tesla owners due to CEO Elon Musk’s involvement with cryptocurrency and his political views.
A growing trend of targeted attacks
Tesla’s advanced security features, including multiple cameras that record surrounding activity, have not stopped perpetrators from vandalizing these high-tech vehicles. Recently, an alarming discovery by the FBI revealed websites where the names and locations of Tesla owners are shared—likely to facilitate these targeted attacks. In response, President Trump has condemned the attacks, labeling them as a form of domestic terrorism
A local incident in Houston
One Houston woman shared her experience of having her Tesla vandalized in broad daylight. That attack was recorded by her Tesla’s camera system. She was shopping at a local Whole Foods when she returned to find a long scratch on the side of her car, along with damage to the door handle. After reviewing footage from her Tesla’s cameras, she was stunned to see a man following her into the parking lot and walking alongside her car, seemingly touching it. The footage clearly showed him tagging along from her drive on Highway 290 to 610.
“When I saw the video, I was in shock,” the Tesla owner said. “It’s honestly astonishing. No matter what your political viewpoint is, damaging someone else’s property is ridiculous.”
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, admitted she no longer feels secure driving her Tesla. “That’s why I wanted to keep my identity hidden,” she added. “I don’t feel safe anymore.”
After seeing this story run in a KPRC 2 newscast, the man seen on camera vandalizing the Houston woman’s Tesla confessed to the crime.
The man told investigators that the entire incident was road rage and he was heading to the same Whole Foods when sparking incident happened.
“It was a bad mistake. I was upset because she cut me off,” he said. “I didn’t follow her to Whole Foods. I was going to Whole Foods also.”
He learned during a conversation with investigators he was facing felony charges for domestic terrorism.
“I’m not a domestic terrorist and I confessed, but I didn’t know I would be facing felony charges,” he said.
Political motives behind the attacks
FBI officials suggest that these attacks are linked to a response against Elon Musk’s political influence. The FBI has now issued a warning, highlighting the need for Tesla owners to remain alert, especially in light of the fact that attacks against these vehicles have spiked significantly.
National concern and growing numbers
According to data from Edmunds shared with Reuters, Tesla vehicles from 2017 and newer made up 1.4% of all vehicles traded in through mid-March, a number that is more than three times higher than it was at this time last year. This rise in Tesla ownership coincides with an uptick in these targeted attacks, raising concerns about the safety of car owners nationwide.
President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the issue, calling those responsible for the attacks “domestic terrorists.” He pointed to other instances of destruction, comparing these attacks to acts of terrorism and highlighting the destruction of multiple vehicles in violent incidents.
What’s being done?
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are both investigating the growing number of Tesla vandalism cases. While officials have confirmed that these incidents are not coordinated, they are stressing the importance of addressing this issue before it escalates further.
Houston Police Department (HPD) is also investigating the specific case of the local Tesla vandalism. The victim is urging local authorities to act swiftly to prevent these incidents from becoming more widespread. “Now is the time to nip it in the bud before it gets worse,” the victim stated.
What can you do?
As the FBI’s warning suggests, if you notice suspicious behavior near your Tesla, it’s important to report it.
HPD is currently investigating the incident in Houston, and if anyone recognizes the man in the video footage, they are encouraged to contact the Property and Financial Crimes Unit at 713-308-2500.
