Bondi Issues Stern Warning to Democratic Rep

"Office of the Attorney General" sign on concrete wall.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a stern warning to Representative Jasmine Crockett about her inflammatory rhetoric against Elon Musk, as concerns over domestic terrorism and recent attacks on Tesla properties heighten tensions between political figures.

Quick Takes

AG Pam Bondi warned Rep. Jasmine Crockett to “tread very carefully” after Crockett stated she wanted to see “Elon taken down” on her birthday.
Three individuals have been federally charged for attacks on Tesla properties, facing up to 20 years in prison for what Bondi called “domestic terrorism.”
Crockett claims her comments referred to a non-violent “Tesla Takedown” protest scheduled for March 29, not physical harm to Musk.
Bondi emphasized that public officials need to be cautious with their words to avoid inciting violence.
The Justice Department is cracking down on violence against Tesla dealerships and charging stations across the country.

Bondi Issues Warning During Fox News Interview

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” with Maria Bartiromo, US Attorney General Pam Bondi directly addressed comments made by Representative Jasmine Crockett about Elon Musk. Bondi’s remarks came amid growing concerns about recent attacks on Tesla dealerships and vehicles by what she described as far-Left extremists. The timing of the warning is significant as it follows a pattern of incidents targeting Tesla properties across the country, some of which have resulted in federal charges.

“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,” Bondi stated firmly during the interview. The Attorney General’s warning highlights the heightened scrutiny being placed on public officials’ statements during a time when political rhetoric is increasingly under examination for potential real-world consequences.

Crockett’s Controversial Comments and Response

The controversy began when Congresswoman Crockett, during a call with the “Tesla Takedown” movement, remarked, “On March 29, it’s my birthday, and all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.” These comments quickly drew criticism from Republicans and Trump administration officials who interpreted them as potentially inciting violence against Musk. Bondi characterized the statement as “calling for attacks on Elon Musk,” despite Crockett’s later clarifications.

In response to the backlash, Crockett has insisted that her remarks were referring to a planned non-violent protest movement against Tesla and Musk, not advocating for physical harm. The “Tesla Takedown” is described as a protest movement urging people to sell Tesla vehicles and stock, linked to objections over Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration. The movement’s website explicitly states opposition to violence and vandalism.

Domestic Terrorism Concerns and Federal Charges

Bondi emphasized the serious nature of recent attacks on Tesla properties, revealing that three individuals have already been charged federally in connection with these incidents. “People need to know that the three people in custody right now… will receive severe and swift consequences… We are not coming off these charges. We are looking at everything, especially if this is a concerted effort. This is domestic terrorism,” Bondi stated. The attacks reportedly involved Molotov cocktails targeting Tesla dealerships and charging stations.

According to the Attorney General, those charged could face up to 20 years in prison, underlining the Justice Department’s commitment to taking these incidents seriously. Bondi’s characterization of the attacks as “domestic terrorism” signals a hardline approach from the administration toward politically motivated violence against businesses associated with figures like Musk, who has become increasingly aligned with conservative politics and the Trump administration.

Broader Implications for Political Discourse

The exchange between Bondi and Crockett highlights growing tensions in American political discourse, particularly regarding the responsibility public officials have when using potentially inflammatory language. While peaceful protests are protected under the First Amendment, Bondi’s warning underscores concerns that certain rhetoric could escalate existing tensions or be misinterpreted as calls for unlawful action. The controversy comes at a time when political polarization continues to challenge the boundaries of acceptable political speech.

Despite the heated exchange, both Bondi and Crockett maintain their positions – Bondi pledging to protect Tesla owners nationwide while Crockett insists her calls to action are non-violent and focused on economic pressure rather than physical confrontation. The planned “Global Day of Action” against Tesla on March 29 will likely be closely monitored by law enforcement authorities, who have demonstrated their willingness to pursue serious charges against those who cross the line from protest to violence.