US Attorney General Reaffirms Severe Charges Against Alleged Tesla Arsonists

On March 20, 2025, US Attorney General Pam Bondi made a high-profile announcement reiterating severe charges against three individuals accused of vandalism and arson targeting Tesla properties. While the statement did not provide new details, it emphasized the federal government’s commitment to addressing crimes against the electric vehicle giant. Bondi’s firm declaration, “The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” sent a clear message about the seriousness of these offenses.

The charges, initially filed earlier in March, target Lucy Nelson, Adam Lansky, and Daniel Clarke-Pounder. Each individual is implicated in separate incidents across the United States. Lucy Nelson faces charges for malicious destruction of property and firearms-related offenses in Colorado. Adam Lansky is accused of illegally possessing Molotov cocktails in Oregon, while Daniel Clarke-Pounder was arrested for setting fire to a Tesla charging station in South Carolina.

These crimes are part of a broader pattern of vandalism and arson targeting Tesla properties, including service centers and charging stations. In some cases, Molotov cocktails were reportedly used, escalating the severity of the incidents. Law enforcement agencies have relied on advanced tools such as license plate readers and social media posts to identify and apprehend suspects. A report by 404 Media highlighted how these methods played a crucial role in the investigations.

Bondi’s announcement also hinted at ongoing investigations into individuals or groups potentially coordinating and funding these crimes. However, no new updates were provided, leading some critics to view the re-announcement as more of a publicity move than a substantive update. Despite this, the statement reinforced the federal government’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future crimes.

The backdrop to these incidents includes a growing wave of anti-Tesla protests, with activists planning a “biggest day of action” against the company. Critics have pointed to Elon Musk’s leadership and the Tesla brand’s perceived toxicity as factors fueling the unrest. Previous incidents, such as fires at Tesla locations in Las Vegas and Kansas City, were also referenced, though Bondi did not provide new details about these cases.

While the re-announcement generated headlines, it raised questions about its timing and intent. Some observers noted that the lack of new information made it seem more like a strategic effort to keep the issue in the public eye rather than a meaningful update on the investigations. Nevertheless, the move underscores the federal government’s determination to address crimes targeting Tesla and protect its infrastructure.

As Tesla continues to navigate these turbulent times, the human impact of these crimes—on employees, customers, and communities—remains a critical concern. The re-announcement serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing public messaging with substantive progress in ongoing investigations. For now, the federal government’s stance is clear: crimes against Tesla will be met with severe consequences.