PolicyBrief
H.RES. 285
119th CongressApr 1st 2025
Condemning the wave of domestic terrorism attacks targeting Tesla cars and dealerships.
IN COMMITTEE

This resolution formally condemns the wave of domestic terrorism attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships nationwide and acknowledges the joint FBI-ATF investigation into these violent incidents.

Lauren Boebert
R

Lauren Boebert

Representative

CO-4

LEGISLATION

House Condemns 'Wave of Domestic Terrorism' Targeting Tesla, Backs FBI/ATF Task Force

This resolution marks the House of Representatives formally stating its strong disapproval of recent violent attacks against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the United States. It isn't a new law, but a powerful statement of opinion, essentially putting Congress on the record about what's been going on.

The Official Tally of Trouble

The resolution documents a series of serious, violent incidents that have occurred in at least nine states. We’re not talking about petty graffiti here; the bill text cites specific acts like arson, gunfire, and the use of Molotov cocktails against Tesla facilities. For example, it mentions multiple attacks in Loveland, Colorado, including painting "Nazi" on property, and the setting fire to seven charging stations in Boston. The text notes that these attacks—over 80 reported cases in the US and Canada—have escalated to the point where they are being officially labeled as a "wave of domestic terrorism."

Why This Matters to Law Enforcement

The most concrete action noted in the resolution is the federal response. Because of this escalation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) created a special task force on March 24, 2025. This task force is specifically set up to work directly with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate these violent incidents. For the average person, this means that the federal government is dedicating significant resources and coordination to track down those responsible for these acts of property destruction, treating them as high-priority federal crimes rather than isolated local vandalism cases.

The Statement vs. The Law

Since this is a resolution, it doesn't change a single law, create new funding, or impose new regulations on anyone. Its power lies purely in its declaration. The House is using its voice to condemn these acts and publicly support the FBI/ATF investigation. While this is great news for Tesla, whose property is now the focus of a coordinated federal effort, it also sets a public benchmark. By officially labeling attacks against a specific corporation's property as "domestic terrorism," Congress is sending a clear message about how seriously it views ideologically motivated violence, even when directed at physical assets. This public framing increases the pressure on federal agencies to deliver results and potentially influences how similar future incidents might be classified and investigated.