Pam Bondi Sounds Alarm on Rhetoric After Controversial Musk Remarks

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a stark warning to Rep. Jasmine Crockett over her controversial comments about Elon Musk, as federal authorities crack down on Tesla-targeted violence across the country.

Key Takeaways

Attorney General Pam Bondi cautioned Rep. Jasmine Crockett to “tread very carefully” after comments about wanting to see Elon Musk “taken down” on her birthday.
Bondi emphasized the seriousness of domestic terrorism, noting that three individuals have been federally charged in connection with Tesla attacks and could face up to 20 years in prison.
Rep. Crockett defended her remarks, claiming she was promoting the non-violent “Tesla Takedown” protest scheduled for March 29, focusing on economic pressure rather than physical attacks.
The exchange highlights the growing tension between Musk’s supporters and critics in an increasingly polarized political environment.

Bondi’s Warning Amid Rising Tesla Attacks

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” with Maria Bartiromo, US Attorney General Pam Bondi delivered a stern message to Representative Jasmine Crockett regarding her recent rhetoric about Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The warning comes amid a troubling series of attacks on Tesla dealerships and charging stations by far-left extremists, with three individuals already facing federal charges.

Bondi specifically addressed Crockett’s statements about wanting Musk to be “taken down” on her birthday, March 29, which coincides with a planned “Global Day of Action” against Tesla. The Attorney General emphasized the potential consequences of such rhetoric, especially considering the current climate of violence targeting Tesla properties. “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,” said Bondi.

Domestic Terrorism Concerns

During her interview, Bondi did not mince words about the seriousness of the situation, characterizing the attacks on Tesla as acts of domestic terrorism. Bondi highlighted that the Justice Department is cracking down on these incidents with the full force of the law. The three individuals currently in custody for attacks involving Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealerships and charging stations could face up to 20 years in prison.

Crockett’s Defense and Clarification

Representative Jasmine Crockett has pushed back against Bondi’s characterization of her comments, insisting that she was referring to the “Tesla Takedown” protest movement rather than advocating for violence. The movement, which opposes Musk due to his involvement with the Trump administration, specifically calls for economic pressure through selling Tesla vehicles and stock.

Crockett has emphasized that the planned protests for March 29 are non-violent and protected under the First Amendment. The Tesla Takedown movement’s website explicitly states its opposition to violence and vandalism. Despite these assurances, Republicans have accused Crockett of using inflammatory rhetoric that could potentially incite violence against Tesla and its CEO, particularly given the current context of actual attacks taking place.

The Larger Political Context

This exchange between Bondi and Crockett reflects the intensifying political divisions surrounding Elon Musk, who has become an increasingly controversial figure after aligning himself with conservative causes and the Trump administration. The Tesla CEO’s political activism, including his financial and technological support for the Trump campaign, has transformed him into both a hero for conservatives and a target for progressives.

Bondi’s warning underscores the growing concern among law enforcement about rhetoric that could potentially fuel violent actions, while Crockett’s defense highlights the tension between protected political speech and language that could be perceived as encouraging unlawful behavior. As the planned March 29 “Global Day of Action” approaches, authorities remain vigilant about potential threats to Tesla facilities and owners nationwide.