Fox News host Harris Faulkner raised eyebrows after she suggested that those who vandalize Tesla vehicles, particularly by setting them on fire, should face the death penalty.
On her show, The Faulkner Focus, Faulkner asked White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt whether the federal death penalty could be applied to individuals who commit such acts of vandalism.
Faulkner’s comments came amid growing protests targeting Tesla cars, including reports of vehicles being set on fire at dealerships. This wave of attacks has coincided with backlash against the company, partly fueled by Elon Musk’s support for President Donald Trump.
Faulkner questioned the potential consequences of these violent acts, suggesting that if someone were in a burning car, the crime could escalate to murder or even terrorism.
“What happens if there’s someone in one of these cars they blow up? That can happen! That becomes murder! Or worse. Terrorism plus,” Faulkner said. She went on to emphasize the danger of such acts, describing them as “deadly, dangerous stuff these liberal protesters are playing with.”
Leavitt agreed, condemning the violence and emphasizing that President Trump is determined to restore law and order. She suggested that those involved in such violent acts should face the harshest penalties possible. She did not rule out capital punishment for Tesla vandalism.
“I can tell you is that President Trump condemns this violence, and he is determined to restore law and order in our country, and he will ensure that the harshest penalties are pursued for those who are engaging in this vicious violence that we have seen targeted at this American company, Tesla dealerships, Tesla employees, and also innocent Americans who have chosen to drive these vehicles,” the press secretary said.
“The Trump derangement syndrome from the left is on true display with these attacks. It is getting dangerous, and the White House wholeheartedly condemns it,” she added.
Faulkner’s suggestion of “terrorism plus” is a term she created to describe the severity of the crime, but it’s important to note that no one has been hurt in these attacks so far. The vandalism has focused on damaging Tesla vehicles, with no fatalities or injuries reported. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also condemned the violence, calling it “terrorism” and stating that these attacks are “deeply wrong” and unjustified.
Although Faulkner’s comments have generated attention, the notion of charging vandals with terrorism or pursuing the death penalty remains a hypothetical scenario.
Watch the exchange in the video below from Fox News:
