GOP Challenges Democrats to Denounce Tesla Attacks as Domestic Terrorism
Republican Representative Lauren Boebert has introduced a resolution in the House condemning recent attacks on Tesla vehicles and facilities as domestic terrorism, challenging Democrats to take a stand against the violence.
Amidst a surge in violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships across the United States, Republican Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado has taken a firm stance. Boebert introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, labeling the attacks as domestic terrorism and implicating unnamed Democrats for inciting the violence against Tesla, owned by Elon Musk.
The resolution comes in the wake of over 275 ‘Tesla Takedown’ protests nationwide, with at least 80 reported incidents of arson or vandalism against Tesla vehicles and 10 against Tesla facilities. Notable attacks include a March 18 incident in Las Vegas, where a suspect, Paul Hyon Kim, allegedly shot at Tesla cars, set them ablaze with Molotov cocktails, and vandalized the property. Another attack near Portland, Oregon, saw gunshots fired into a Tesla showroom, causing significant damage.
Boebert’s resolution accuses some Democrats of encouraging their supporters to engage in these acts of violence against Tesla as a form of protest against Elon Musk. She stated, “The definition of terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. That is exactly what has been going on across the country at Tesla dealerships.”
Despite the FBI’s efforts to crack down on these crimes and the Justice Department’s charges against suspects, few Democrats have publicly condemned the violence. Some have even intensified their criticism of Musk, calling him a ’threat to democracy’ and a ‘Nazi.’
The resolution, supported by eight conservative co-sponsors, aims to force a clear statement from all members of Congress on their stance regarding the attacks on Tesla. Boebert emphasized, “The American people deserve to know where their representatives stand when it comes to condemning domestic terrorism.”
As the debate over these incidents continues, the resolution puts pressure on Democrats to address the violence and clarify their position on what Boebert and her supporters are calling a clear case of domestic terrorism.