US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Thursday that three individuals accused of vandalism against Elon Musk’s Tesla electric vehicle company might face up to 20 years in prison.
Bondi described the destruction of Tesla automobiles, stores, and charging points as “domestic terrorism”.
Prosecutors had earlier announced the arrests and indictments against the three accused.
Tesla stores around the country have been targeted in a surge of protests, as well as vandalism and arson assaults, in response to Musk’s influence over the Trump administration.
There is no particular US legislation prohibiting domestic terrorism, although prosecutors may seek harsher jail sentences if convicted defendants have a terrorism-related motive.
Both Trump and Musk have referred to the attacks as domestic terrorism.
Supporters of the administration have also reportedly been “swatted” – subjected to armed police raids following bogus emergency calls.
On Thursday, the Department of Justice issued a statement that did not identify the culprits in the Tesla vandalism. However, the circumstances of the three cases described in the news release correspond to arrests and charges previously reported by prosecutors.
Lucy Nelson, 42, was charged with possession of a destructive device and deliberate destruction of property after being found near a Tesla showroom in Colorado.
According to the criminal complaint, the dealership was targeted with a Molotov cocktail attack and graffiti, resulting in damage ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. The suspect has pleaded not guilty.
Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, was charged with possessing a destructive weapon after throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla showroom in Salem, Oregon. He has not entered a plea and will have a preliminary hearing in April.
Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, was charged with arson for reportedly tossing Molotov cocktails at Tesla charging outlets in North Charleston, South Carolina, as well as spray-painting the car park.
In a statement, Bondi said, “The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended.
“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.”
The attorney general stated that the three suspects could face between five and 20 years in prison if convicted.
