DOJ Seeks 20-Year Sentence for Suspect in Tesla Dealership Bombing
The Department of Justice has filed charges against a man accused of bombing a Tesla dealership and is pushing for a 20-year prison sentence, according to recent reports.
Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that Cooper Frederick has been indicted for allegedly firebombing a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado, on March 7. The FBI tracked him down and took him into custody in Plano, Texas, as reported by the Washington Examiner.
“I’ve made it clear: If you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars,” Bondi declared. “Today, I am proud to announce that the Department of Justice has unsealed federal charges against another Tesla attacker. All of these cases are a serious threat to public safety; therefore, there will be no negotiating.”
She further warned, “Let this be a warning: You can run, but you cannot hide. Justice is coming.”
Earlier this month, Bondi had cautioned that individuals who vandalize Tesla vehicles would face domestic terrorism charges, and on March 20, the first three suspects were formally charged.
“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences,” Bondi stated in a March 18 press release.
“We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes,” she added.
Recently, Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles have been subjected to vandalism and arson. The surge in attacks aligns with growing outrage from left-wing activists against Tesla CEO Elon Musk due to his role in the Trump administration.
Republicans have condemned the destruction, labeling it domestic terrorism and advocating for prosecutions under that classification. The FBI has now formed a task force to investigate these acts of vandalism against Tesla facilities.
Over the past year, Tesla’s stock has plummeted by 40%. It previously reached over $428 per share before Trump’s inauguration in January but has since fallen to $259 as of Monday.
Musk, who has been leading Trump’s controversial efforts to shrink federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency, has been a primary target of protests at Tesla showrooms.
The FBI recently cautioned the public to stay vigilant for potential threats against Tesla locations or related entities. They advised people to report any suspicious activity, such as individuals monitoring Tesla properties, attempting to gain unauthorized access, or making online threats against the company.
In a post on X, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson emphasized that the new task force will work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to investigate anti-Tesla attacks. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice,” affirmed FBI Director Kash Patel.
On Monday, Musk echoed this sentiment on X, stating, “There is no doubt that shooting bullets into Tesla stores and burning down Superchargers are acts of terrorism.”
Addressing the violence at Tesla facilities, Musk also wrote, “Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks,” in an X post last week.
Last month, Bondi issued a warning to Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett after her comments about Musk and GOP lawmakers raised concerns. Some interpreted her words as inciting violence.
Speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Bondi accused Crockett of “threatening lives” through her rhetoric following attacks on Tesla dealerships.
“After she said that about Elon, she said, ‘well, I didn’t mean violence,’ but however, your words have consequences. And what happened after she said that about Elon Musk? She’s a Texan in her own home state after she said that this morning, three explosive devices were found in Austin, Texas. So she needs to unequivocally denounce the violence,” Bondi stated.
“She must apologize immediately, not only to all Texans, but to our country, to the American shareholders of Tesla, because she is promoting violence,” she added.