Democrats Remain Silent on Tesla Vandalism as Trump Proposes Severe Penalties

President Donald Trump has called for harsh penalties against vandals targeting Tesla, suggesting those responsible for the attacks should serve up to twenty years in prison. In light of these comments, Fox News Digital reached out to 13 Democratic lawmakers who previously supported legislation to combat domestic terrorism. Surprisingly, none of them responded to inquiries about the Tesla vandalism.

The FBI has taken action in response to the increasing incidents of vandalism against Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and vehicles. Late last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized these attacks as domestic terrorism and announced that charges were filed against three suspects involved in arson cases linked to the automaker.

Despite their past vocal opposition to domestic terrorism, Democratic officials have remained quiet regarding the violent attacks on Tesla. When questioned if they supported Bondi’s classification of these actions as domestic terrorism, the same group of lawmakers once again did not respond.

On his social media platform, Trump emphasized the seriousness of these actions, 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 funders. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!” His remarks underline a growing concern over the safety of Tesla’s operations.

While Trump is increasingly vocal in his condemnation of the domestic terrorism directed at Tesla drivers, Democrats had been proactive in proposing legislative measures focused on combating domestic terrorism. The Biden administration released the first National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism in 2021, amidst heightened fears about domestic threats following the January 6 Capitol events.

Legislative Responses from Democrats

Senator Dick Durbin, along with ten other Senate Democrats, introduced the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2023. This initiative aimed to address the terror threats posed by extremist groups, particularly white supremacists and neo-Nazis, highlighting the urgency of tackling hate-fueled violence.

On Sunday, Bondi warned Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas to be cautious in her comments after she suggested actions against Elon Musk, saying those remarks were “not about violence.” Bondi responded firmly, stating, “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.”

The “Tesla Takedown” Movement

Crockett made her remarks during a nationwide call organized by the “Tesla Takedown” movement, a group advocating for individuals to divest from Tesla vehicles and assets. She expressed her desire for action against Musk, stating, “On March 29, it’s my birthday. All I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.”

Representative Ro Khanna from California has taken an approach that stands apart from his colleagues, urging a collective condemnation of Tesla vandalism. He stated, “There is zero tolerance for acts of vandalism against Tesla. Spraying ‘nazi cars’ or lighting fire to dealership and chargers is wrong. Period. All Democrats should condemn it,” showcasing a commitment to bipartisan condemnation of violence.

Contrasting Views on Domestic Terrorism

During an interview, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed a complex view on the issue, stating that while people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to engage in violence. He remarked, “Well, I don’t know what domestic terrorism is? It’s outrageous. It’s absurd. People have a right to protest, but no one has the right to engage in any form of violence, period.”

This muted reaction from Democrats emerges against a backdrop of previously voiced concerns about domestic terrorism during the Trump and Biden administrations. Durbin remarked, “As I have said many times, I condemn all violence, regardless of ideology,” reinforcing the need for a unified front against domestic threats.

Funding of Domestic Extremism

Democrats have expressed worry regarding the financing of domestic extremist activities. In 2022, several party leaders, including Representatives Maxine Waters and former Senator Sherrod Brown, called for reviews into the funding mechanisms supporting such initiatives. Ironically, amid the Tesla vandalism, Waters has yet to address claims about the financial backers of these anti-Tesla protests.

Trump has pointed fingers at left-leaning billionaires like George Soros and Reid Hoffman as potential financiers of the vandalism. He alleges they have been financially backing destructive protests against Tesla and Musk.

Responses to Domestic Violence and Terrorism

The seriousness of domestic terrorism was underscored in a 2021 statement from then-Representative Adam Schiff, who described the threat as one of the gravest facing America. He highlighted the necessity for updated laws to combat homegrown violence fueled by hateful ideologies.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries lamented the dangers posed by white supremacy, stating that addressing this issue should transcend party lines, framing it as an American concern rather than solely a political issue.

The Reality of Tesla Vandalism

Recent reports indicate that incidents of vandalism against Tesla properties have occurred across multiple states, from Oregon to Massachusetts. The attacks have escalated to include Molotov cocktails, vandalized dealership windows, and even shootings near Tesla facilities. Although no severe injuries have been reported, the FBI has identified an anti-Musk website detailing sensitive personal information of Tesla owners.

Bondi has characterized these incidents as a coordinated effort, differentiating these acts from sporadic vandalism. She maintained her position by stating, “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism.” She reaffirmed the Department of Justice’s dedication to prosecuting those behind these crimes rigorously.

A Call for Action

The unresolved issues surrounding Tesla vandalism illustrate a deeper divide among lawmakers regarding the definitions and responses to domestic terrorism. While some have remained silent, urging a careful approach towards dialogue, others are advocating for a firmer stance against all forms of violence. This illustrates the complexities of the current political landscape, where similar threats can yield vastly different reactions.

As authorities continue to monitor and investigate these disturbing acts, the dialogue surrounding domestic terrorism must evolve. The commitment to protecting freedoms and the rule of law demands a collective response, highlighting the importance of standing against violence, regardless of its ideological roots.