FBI taskforce scrambles as 22nd Tesla attack hits Washington state amid growing fears of nationwide campaign against Musk empire
The FBI is racing to identify suspects after another Tesla charging station was attacked overnight.
Early Tuesday morning, residents in Lacey, Washington were jolted awake by what many described as an "explosion" at a local Tesla Supercharger station. The incident, which occurred at 1:34 AM, is just the latest in what appears to be a growing trend of attacks on Tesla properties across the United States.
"I thought it was a bomb going off," said local resident Maria Hernandez, who lives three blocks from the charging station. "The whole neighborhood was calling 911. When I looked outside, I could see smoke rising in the distance."
By daybreak, the charging station was cordoned off with yellow police tape as local officers and FBI agents combed through debris and reviewed security footage from nearby cameras. The level of damage appears extensive, with multiple charging units completely destroyed.
This incident comes at a time of increasing public backlash against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who now serves as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. His aggressive cuts to government staffing and budgets have made him a controversial figure - and potentially made his companies targets.
The FBI confirmed to CNN that they've launched a specialized task force in March specifically to address the rise in Tesla-related attacks. Tuesday's incident in Lacey marks the 23rd such attack this year in the Pacific Northwest region alone.
"We're seeing a pattern that suggests these aren't random acts of vandalism," said security analyst Thomas Reynolds. "The perpetrators appear to have specific knowledge of the charging infrastructure and are targeting vulnerabilities in the systems."
In Seattle, just 60 miles north of Lacey, police have documented 22 Tesla vehicle vandalisms this year. Last month in Las Vegas, a more dramatic attack involved both firearms and Molotov cocktails at a Tesla repair facility.
Authorities are particularly concerned about what appears to be an escalation in tactics. What began as simple vandalism has evolved into more sophisticated attacks causing greater damage and potentially putting lives at risk.
"The timing of these incidents, often in the middle of the night when few witnesses are present, suggests planning and coordination," added Reynolds. "The FBI involvement indicates they're treating this as potentially part of a larger campaign."
Tesla representatives stated on social media that they're working with Puget Sound Energy to restore the charging station as quickly as possible, though no timeline has been provided. The company is also cooperating with law enforcement, providing security footage and technical assistance.
For Tesla owners in the area, the attack creates practical challenges. "I rely on that charging station for my daily commute," said Tesla owner James Wilson. "Now I'll have to drive 30 miles to the next nearest station until repairs are complete."
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking the public to report any suspicious activity around Tesla properties and remain vigilant. The FBI has established a dedicated tip line for information related to these incidents, reflecting the seriousness with which they're treating this growing trend.
Whether these attacks represent organized opposition to Musk's government role or are isolated incidents remains unclear, but one thing is certain - the targeting of Tesla infrastructure has become a nationwide security concern that shows no signs of slowing down.
