Democrat Senator Mark Kelly is under fire for declining to label the recent wave of coordinated attacks on Tesla properties as “domestic terrorism,” despite widespread condemnation and federal investigations. The violence — which has included firebombings, vandalism of charging stations, and destruction of Tesla vehicles — is widely believed to be in protest of Elon Musk’s role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration.

I bought a Tesla because it was fast like a rocket ship. But now every time I drive it, I feel like a rolling billboard for a man dismantling our government and hurting people. So Tesla, you’re fired!

New ride coming soon. pic.twitter.com/N4Anmsi6cH

— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) March 14, 2025

Kelly, a former Tesla owner himself, sold his vehicle in March as a personal protest against Musk, calling it a “rolling billboard for a man dismantling our government and hurting people.” He now drives a Chevy Tahoe SUV.

When pressed by Fox News on whether the escalating attacks constituted domestic terrorism, Kelly replied, “Certainly vandalism, and it’s a crime. It’s a significant crime, especially if you’re going to firebomb a car or key somebody’s vehicle. They shouldn’t be doing it. These should be investigated, and if people are caught, they should be prosecuted.”

Kelly cautioned against the use of the term “terrorism,” saying, “I think we’ve got to tread lightly on the whole ‘terrorism’ word. We sometimes try to expand this thing and it kind of loses its focus.”

Others in government have taken a far more aggressive stance. Attorney General Pam Bondi has unequivocally described the attacks as “domestic terrorism,” vowing “serious consequences” for those involved. “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said in a statement. “The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve five-year mandatory minimum sentences.”

According to DOJ officials, multiple individuals have already been charged in connection with the attacks, with three suspects facing up to 20 years in prison.

The FBI has launched a 10-person task force dedicated to tracking down those responsible. “[FBI] Director [Kash] Patel has been unequivocally clear: The FBI will be relentless in its mission to protect the American people,” the agency said. “Acts of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism — like the recent Tesla attacks — will be pursued with the full force of the law.”