The FBI has issued a warning to Tesla owners in response to an upcoming protest movement called the “Tesla Takedown,” which is set to take place this week. The protest, organized by various activist groups, is intended as a “global day of action” aimed at calling attention to several issues related to Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. The protest has sparked concerns over the safety of Tesla vehicles, particularly as the movement gains traction across social media platforms.
The “Tesla Takedown” movement is a coordinated effort by a group of activists who have raised several grievances with Tesla’s business practices, environmental impact, and Musk’s leadership. The protesters argue that Tesla’s business model, particularly its reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for self-driving technology, poses significant risks to public safety. They claim that Tesla’s marketing of its Autopilot system and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology may be misleading, leading to potential accidents and putting drivers at risk.
The FBI’s warning comes after credible reports that the protesters are planning to target Tesla owners and their vehicles during the global day of action. According to the bureau, Tesla owners should be vigilant and aware of the potential for coordinated disruptions. Protesters are reportedly planning to use a variety of tactics, including blocking access to Tesla showrooms, engaging in online harassment campaigns, and potentially causing physical disruptions to Tesla vehicles. While no specific threats have been made against individual Tesla owners, the FBI has advised vehicle owners to take precautions, including avoiding large protests and monitoring social media channels for updates on the event.
The warning has raised alarms within the Tesla community, with many owners expressing concerns about the impact these protests may have on their vehicles and personal safety. Tesla vehicles, which are equipped with sophisticated sensors and cameras as part of their self-driving capabilities, have become a point of contention between the company and various activist groups. Protesters have criticized Tesla for its perceived lack of transparency regarding the true capabilities of its AI technology and its potential risks. In particular, there have been concerns about the frequency of accidents involving Tesla’s Autopilot feature, some of which have led to fatalities.
While Tesla has defended its Autopilot and FSD technologies, stating that they are designed to assist drivers and not replace them, activists argue that Tesla’s messaging may be too aggressive, suggesting that drivers can rely too heavily on these systems. Some protestors have pointed to studies and statistics showing the potential for crashes involving Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode as a key reason for their opposition.
The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response.
This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice. https://t.co/U4VYh8XEve
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 24, 2025
The FBI’s warning also highlights the increasing tensions between large tech companies like Tesla and activist movements that are calling for greater accountability in the development and deployment of emerging technologies. Tesla’s rapid growth and Musk’s polarizing influence on social media have made the company a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. While Tesla has revolutionized the electric vehicle industry, its approach to autonomous driving and the high-profile nature of Musk’s public persona have made it a focal point for protest movements concerned with both technological advancement and corporate power.
In addition to the concerns over Tesla’s self-driving technology, protesters also aim to highlight issues such as labor practices within Tesla’s factories, environmental concerns related to the mining of materials for electric vehicle batteries, and the broader impact of Musk’s business ventures on society. Some activists have argued that Tesla’s success has come at a cost to workers and the environment, prompting them to take action as a means of drawing attention to these alleged wrongdoings.
Despite the controversy surrounding the protest, many Tesla owners have remained supportive of the company, believing that the benefits of electric vehicles and the potential for reducing carbon emissions far outweigh the criticisms levied against Tesla’s technology. Nonetheless, the protest movement is gaining momentum, and its global day of action is expected to be a highly charged event.
As the situation continues to unfold, both Tesla owners and the broader public are left grappling with the implications of the protest. The FBI’s warning serves as a reminder of the growing role of social movements in shaping public discourse around technology and corporate practices. For now, Tesla owners are advised to remain cautious and informed as they navigate the growing controversy surrounding their vehicles.
