Bondi Warns Crockett Over "Take Down Elon" Remarks Amid Tesla Vandalism Concerns
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a stern warning to Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, following remarks made by Crockett suggesting that Elon Musk should be "taken down." Bondi’s warning comes amid escalating concerns about violence and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships across the United States, a situation federal authorities are treating with increasing seriousness.
Bondi addressed the situation on "Sunday Morning Futures," emphasizing the need for Crockett to be mindful of her position as an elected official. "She is an elected public official, so she needs to tread very carefully because nothing will happen to Elon Musk, and we are going to fight to protect all the Tesla owners throughout this country," Bondi stated. Her remarks highlight the growing tension surrounding Tesla and Elon Musk, particularly as they intersect with political discourse.
The controversy stems from Crockett’s involvement with the "Tesla Takedown movement," a group describing itself as a "peaceful protest platform." The movement advocates for Tesla owners to sell their vehicles and for investors to divest from the company’s stock. During a nationwide call with the group, Crockett made the controversial statement, "On March 29, it’s my birthday… All I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down. I have learned, as I serve on the DOGE Oversight committee, that there is only one language that the people that are in charge understand right now, and that language is money."
Crockett’s supporters argue that her words were intended metaphorically, referring to a financial or reputational "take down" rather than inciting physical harm or violence. Following the initial uproar, Crockett clarified that her calls to action are "nonviolent" and are about figuratively "fighting" for democracy. "We know that we are peaceful, loving people, and this is not about violence," she stated, attempting to quell concerns that her rhetoric could be interpreted as a call to action for violence.
However, Republicans, including Bondi, have accused Crockett of irresponsibly fueling animosity towards Tesla and Elon Musk, potentially contributing to the rising incidents of vandalism and violence directed at the company. The timing of Crockett’s comments, coupled with the existing reports of arson, gunfire, and vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships in at least nine states, has amplified the criticism she is facing.
The FBI is currently investigating these incidents, and the Justice Department has taken a firm stance against the perpetrators. Bondi highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that three individuals accused of damaging Teslas and EV charging stations now face potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison on charges of "domestic terrorism." "People need to know that the three people in custody right now… will receive severe and swift consequences… We are not coming off these charges. We are looking at everything, especially if this is a concerted effort. This is domestic terrorism," Bondi declared.
The Justice Department’s decision to pursue charges related to domestic terrorism underscores the seriousness with which they are viewing these attacks. It signals a zero-tolerance approach towards violence and vandalism targeting electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The incidents of vandalism against Tesla vehicles are diverse. They range from slashed tires and keyed paint jobs to more serious incidents involving arson and gunfire. Dealerships have also been targeted with defaced property and hostile imagery. The motivation behind these acts is unclear, although some suspect it stems from a combination of factors, including anti-EV sentiment, political opposition to Elon Musk, or general acts of vandalism unrelated to any specific agenda.
The controversy surrounding Crockett’s remarks and the escalating violence against Tesla highlights the increasingly polarized environment surrounding electric vehicles and their impact on the economy and society. The rapid transition to electric vehicles has been met with resistance from some segments of the population, particularly those who feel threatened by the potential loss of jobs in the traditional automotive industry or those who harbor concerns about the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
Bondi’s warning to Crockett underscores the responsibility that public officials have in ensuring their rhetoric does not inadvertently contribute to violence or hatred. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the need to maintain a safe and respectful public discourse, especially in a highly charged political climate. The situation continues to unfold, with law enforcement agencies actively investigating the vandalism and seeking to bring the perpetrators to justice while political figures grapple with the implications of their words and actions. The future of Tesla, and indeed the broader electric vehicle industry, may well depend on the ability of society to engage in a constructive dialogue and address the underlying concerns that are fueling the current unrest.
