Three of four alleged Tesla facility and charger vandals appear to identify as transgender or nonbinary. The alleged perpetrators of different Tesla properties all identify as transgender, cross dress or go by ‘she/they’ pronouns.

Left-wing vandals have been targeting Tesla facilities nationwide — and even internationally — to protest Elon Musk and the Trump administration. These attacks have attracted the attention of the Department of Justice, (DOJ). U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement Tuesday branding the “swarm of violent attacks” as “nothing short of domestic terrorism.”

Justin Thomas Nelson, 42, who goes by Lucy Grace Nelson, was charged by complaint with one count of “malicious destruction of property” in Lyons, Colo. on Jan. 29, according to the DOJ. An additional four instances in February regarding possible arson, graffiti and “incendiary devices” regarding Nelson caught the attention of the police.

Nelson was arrested Feb. 24, allegedly possessing additional incendiary devices and “materials attributed to vandalism,” police told the New York Post.

Nelson lived at home due to “emotional problems,” Nelson’s father told the Post. “He changed his name to Lucy a few years ago.”

He has several social media posts where he refers to himself as “baby,” and another post shows a Nazi flag on fire, which was filed by police with an affidavit.

Nelson made an initial appearance in front of Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter, according to the DOJ. The Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution. It is unclear whether a lawyer has been assigned to Nelson.

Erin L. White, 27, was apprehended and charged with felony criminal damage to property and trespass, according to Fox. White allegedly vandalized a Tesla center in Illinois, leaving messages criticizing President Donald Trump and Elon Musk and advocating for “trans rights.”

White has used she/they pronouns, according to her LinkedIn profile and other reports.

The Buffalo Grove Police Department told the DCNF that they believed the damages caused to the dealership only involved paint.

White was scheduled to appear in Rolling Meadows court on Wednesday, and it is unclear whether a lawyer has been assigned to White.

Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, was formally accused of possessing Molotov cocktails while attempting to destroy Tesla property at a Salem, Ore. car dealership, according to a DOJ press release.

Social media records show Lansky allegedly went by the alias Allison Tesla on X, with the content featuring trans pornography.

Surveillance footage obtained from the dealership appeared to show him throwing the incendiary devices at the building and several vehicles, causing fires to erupt, according to the press release. The release also pointed to another surveillance video from a police car that showed Lansky allegedly discharging “multiple firearm rounds into a building and at least one vehicle.”

Lansky was arrested Mar. 4 without incident in Salem and made his first appearance in federal court on Mar. 5 before a U.S. Magistrate judge. He was ordered to be held in custody pending further court proceedings.

The DOJ press release also notes that “a criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said in her statement. “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.”

“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,” Bondi said.

A spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) told the DCNF that “we can confirm several ATF Certified Fire investigators have responded to Tesla Dealership attacks across the U.S. and are able to help local authorities in determining the origin and cause of a fire and completing necessary reports.” The ATF has been assigned to investigate both Nelson’s and Lansky’s cases.

“In many attacks against Tesla dealerships that have involved arson or a firearm, ATF has been working with local and federal law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who have recklessly destroyed property and endangered innocent lives,” the spokesperson said.

The DOJ did not comment but instead referred the DCNF to Bondi’s statement. It is unclear if the alleged vandals have lawyers assigned to defend them.

Audrey Streb
March 19, 2025
Featured Image Credit: Mack Male from Edmonton, AB, Canada
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