Trump Suggests El Salvador Prisons for Tesla Arsonists Amid FBI Investigation
Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the escalating attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities across the United States, suggesting that those convicted of arson and vandalism should serve their prison sentences in El Salvador. His comments come as the FBI investigates a surge in incidents, labeling them as potential acts of domestic terrorism.
In a post on his social media platform TRUTH Social, Trump expressed his support for strict punishments for those responsible, specifically mentioning the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk. "I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20 year jail sentences for what they are doing to Elon Musk and Tesla," Trump wrote. He then added a controversial suggestion, "Perhaps they could serve them in the prisons of El Salvador, which have become so recently famous for such lovely conditions!"
Trump’s remarks reference the controversial prison system implemented by Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele, known for its strict and often harsh conditions. Bukele’s administration has gained international attention for its crackdown on gang violence, which has included mass arrests and the construction of mega-prisons designed to house thousands of inmates.
The message from Trump arrived as the FBI is actively investigating what it describes as an increasing number of attacks against Tesla properties nationwide. These incidents, ranging from arson to vandalism and even gunfire, are raising concerns about the potential for coordinated acts of domestic terrorism.
The attacks on Tesla vehicles and facilities have occurred in at least nine states, with several high-profile cases reported in liberal-leaning cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington.
In one incident, an Oregon man was arrested after allegedly throwing multiple Molotov cocktails at a Tesla store in Salem. He later returned and shot out windows. In Tigard, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, a Tesla showroom was targeted by gunfire on two separate occasions within a week, resulting in damage to vehicles and windows.
Earlier this month, four Cybertrucks were set on fire at a Tesla lot in Seattle. Shortly after, witnesses in Seattle reported a man pouring gasoline on an unoccupied Tesla Model S and setting it ablaze on a city street.
In Las Vegas, several Tesla vehicles were set on fire outside a Tesla service center. The word "resist" was spray-painted in red across the building’s front doors. Authorities believe that at least one individual threw Molotov cocktails and fired shots at the vehicles.
The attacks have prompted a strong response from law enforcement. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced charges against three individuals accused of using Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla cars and charging stations. "The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended," Bondi stated. "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 Justice Department stated that one defendant, who was also armed with a suppressed AR-15 rifle, was arrested after allegedly throwing approximately eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon. Another was arrested in Loveland, Colorado, after allegedly attempting to set Teslas on fire with Molotov cocktails. Authorities said that this defendant was later found in possession of materials used to produce additional incendiary weapons.
In Charleston, South Carolina, a third defendant wrote "profane messages" against Trump near Tesla charging stations before setting the charging stations on fire with Molotov cocktails, according to the Justice Department.
Each defendant faces serious charges that carry a minimum penalty of five years and up to 20 years in prison. Trump reiterated this on TRUTH Social, stating, "People that get caught sabotaging Teslas will stand a very good chance of going to jail for up to twenty years, and that includes the finders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!"
The FBI is taking the attacks seriously and is investigating the possibility that they are acts of domestic terrorism. Spencer Evans, the special agent in charge of the Las Vegas FBI office, said at a press conference, "Was this terrorism? Was it something else? It certainly has some of the hallmarks that we might think – the writing on the wall, potential political agenda, an act of violence. None of those factors are lost on us."
Trump’s suggestion that the convicted arsonists serve their sentences in El Salvador raises questions about the intersection of domestic crime and international relations. His administration has previously faced criticism in federal court over deportation flights to El Salvador. Bukele’s administration has been cracking down on gang violence by putting gang members in newly built prisons that feature harsh conditions.
Whether Trump’s suggestion will have any practical implications remains to be seen. However, it underscores the intense political climate surrounding the attacks on Tesla and the growing concern about the potential for domestic terrorism.
The investigation into the attacks on Tesla facilities and vehicles is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The incidents serve as a reminder of the potential for violence and the importance of addressing the root causes of extremism and political polarization.
