Multiple 'Incendiary' Devices Found at Tesla Showroom in Texas: Police Say 

Multiple “incendiary” devices were found at the northwest Austin Tesla showroom on Monday, March 24, CNBC, KXAN and FOX 7 report.

Austin Police Department (APD) responded to a call around 8:04 a.m. local time about suspicious devices at the Tesla showroom off N. Highway 183 in Austin. The APD bomb squad was called out to investigate.

Upon arrival, authorities determined the devices “to be incendiary” and were taken by police without incident.

A spokesperson for the FBI said in a statement to PEOPLE: “Director [Kash] Patel has been unequivocally clear: The FBI will be relentless in its mission to protect the American people. Acts of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism — like the recent Tesla attacks — will be pursued with the full force of the law.”

The FBI spokesperson confirmed that a task force has been established to investigate ongoing vandalism of Tesla cars and showrooms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also reported to the scene. A representative for ATF confirmed to PEOPLE that the agency “is supporting the FBI, who is the lead agency for this ongoing investigation.”

A spokesperson for the FBI confirmed to KXAN in a statement that it was investigating this incident and other recently reported incidents across the country.

“The FBI is working with our law enforcement partners to investigate a number of recent incidents in which Tesla charging stations and dealerships were damaged,” the FBI said, per KXAN. “Incidents have occurred in several states and the FBI is coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to gather information.” 

“We would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious or have information about potential threats to report it to local law enforcement immediately, call their local FBI field office, or contact our tipline at 1-800-call-FBI,” the statement read. 

The FBI also recommended that the public read the Friday, March 21, PSA, asking others to “exercise vigilance and to look out for suspicious activity in areas occupied by Tesla dealerships or Tesla-related entities.”

The request follows the criticisms and protests the company has faced since CEO Elon Musk joined as a senior advisor in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Monday’s incident came amid the Justice Department’s investigation into several recent incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla showrooms and cars across the nation, per The New York Times. The investigation began on Friday, March 21. 

Trump, 78, said in a Friday Truth Social post that people found guilty of attacking Tesla properties could serve their sentences in prisons in El Salvador.

Days before, on Tuesday, March 18, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement: “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” per The New York Times.

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Representatives for the Austin Police Department, the FBI and Tesla did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Monday.