Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced the arrest of several Tesla protesters, adding that another “huge arrest” would be made by the end of the week.
During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Bondi told President Donald Trump that his orders to prosecute protesters who were targeting Tesla, amid growing criticism of CEO Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, had been properly executed.
Newsweek contacted the Department of Justice via email for more information on the arrests.
The Context
The Trump administration has begun cracking down on protests, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arresting pro-Palestinian activists and the president proposing to reclassify vandalism of a Tesla as a terrorist offense.
What To Know
During a Cabinet meeting with reporters present, Bondi gave Trump an update on his orders to prosecute those targeting Tesla.
“You gave us a directive to prosecute the people who are going after Tesla to the fullest extent of the law. Some of the greatest police work I’ve seen. We’ve made four arrests,” Bondi said.
She continued: “There will be no negotiations at your directive. They’re all looking at 20 years in prison. And within the next 24 hours, you’re going to be seeing another huge arrest on a Tesla dealership.”
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The Trump administration has taken a specific interest in protests against Tesla, which have occurred not only in the U.S. but also in Canada and Europe.
Trump previously called a Tesla boycott “illegal” because it harmed the success of Musk, whom he called a “truly great American.” He also warned protesters that he would be reclassifying vandalism against the vehicles as a terrorist offense.
In March, the FBI urged civilians to report any damage done to Tesla vehicles, saying it was tracking crimes against the company in more than nine states.
“These incidents have involved arson, gunfire, and vandalism, including graffiti expressing grievances against those the perpetrators perceive to be racists, fascists, or political opponents,” the FBI said. “These criminal actions appear to have been conducted by lone offenders, and all known incidents occurred at night.”
The agency added: “Individuals require little planning to use rudimentary tactics, such as improvised incendiary devices and firearms, and may perceive these attacks as victimless property crimes.”
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on March 21: “I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20-year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla. Perhaps they could serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions!”
What Happens Next
No new arrests at Tesla dealerships have been made. The Justice Department has said it will carry out another arrest within 24 hours.
