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“I was proud to stand with Rep. Fishbein and other colleagues today to call for an end to these violent attacks against Tesla owners and dealers. This wave of crime driven by political opposition should not be tolerated here, or anywhere across our country. I want to thank State Representative Craig Fishbein for shedding light on this and calling it out for what it is- domestic terrorism.”

– State Representative Anne Dauphinais

During a Monday morning press conference, the legislature’s Conservative Caucus called on all elected officials, municipal leaders, and private citizens to stand for the rule of law and denounce the violent attacks on Tesla dealers, vehicles, and their owners as acts of domestic terrorism.

“These acts of domestic terrorism are disgusting and must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible, including consideration of state and federal hate crime laws,” Rep. Fishbein, Chair of the Conservative Caucus and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, said. “Targeting an individual with violence because of their choice of vehicle is not a harmless prank, it is a concerted, yet sad, attempt to influence personal choices and state and national politics.  These attacks are undeniable, hate-filled political statements from people trying to intimidate and silence the President and his advisors.”

In a letter to Attorney General Tong last week, the Conservative Caucus called on his office to thoroughly investigate any reports of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, owners, or dealers in Connecticut. They also called on Governor Lamont and all elected state officials to immediately and publicly denounce these actions and to contact law enforcement should they see, hear of, or receive proof of such a crime taking place.

Noting that these attacks are driven by a wildly misguided hatred for the popular electric vehicle company’s CEO, Elon Musk, Rep. Fishbein pointed out that vandalism like smashed or shot-out windows, spray-painted and scratched panels, and arson are not victimless crimes.  In some circumstances they may even rise to the level of hate crimes. News reports also indicate some current Tesla owners are reticent to visit dealerships or purchase another Tesla due to the violence.

“Rhetoric coming from the political left regarding electric vehicles went very quickly from “mandate to incinerate”, and now twisted individuals are turning their aggressive words against Musk into sick cases of domestic terrorism,” Rep. Fishbein said. “When Musk delivered viable electric vehicle technology a decade ago, he was hailed by many as an icon and potential savior of the environment. Now, after he aligned himself with President Trump’s policies of rooting out fraud and shrinking the federal government, those same voices have branded him a villain, and his company, and its products, are being violently attacked.”

If you witness or learn of such an attack, please contact local law enforcement immediately, or contact the Department of Justice. You can report hate crimes to the FBI online at: tips.FBI.gov or by phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

“If you see something, say something is critically important in cases like these where innocent Connecticut citizens are being targeted, terrorized, and attacked,” Rep. Fishbein said.

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Founded in 2017, the Connecticut General Assembly Conservative Caucus is a group of Connecticut legislators dedicated to the principles of limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty. They foster open debate about the role of government in society, adherence to the Federal and State Constitutions, as well as the rule of law.  They propose and advocate for legislation that promotes the freedoms, individual rights, and prosperity of all Americans. The members are: Rep. Craig Fishbein, Chair (R-90); Rep. Anne Dauphinais, (R-44), Vice-Chair; Rep. Mark Anderson (R-62), Secretary; Rep. Joe Hoxha (R-78), Treasurer; Rep. Doug Dubitsky (R-47); Rep. Brian Lanoue (R-45); Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco (R-80); Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes (R-66); Rep. Kurt Vail (R-52); and Rep. Donna Veach (R-30).