Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic congresswoman from Texas, sparked outrage with comments made during a March 2025 Tesla Takedown livestream. She said, “On March 29, it’s my birthday, and all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down,” referring to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. As a member of Congress, her words carry significant weight, making them not only inappropriate but potentially dangerous given recent events tied to Tesla.
Crockett’s role as a lawmaker demands a higher standard of responsibility. Her statement, part of a broader call for protests against Musk’s influence, came across to many as a veiled incitement to violence. She later claimed on MSNBC it was about economic pressure, not physical harm, but that clarification doesn’t erase the impact. Public officials know their rhetoric can shape actions, especially in a tense political climate. With Tesla already a target—facing vandalism and attacks nationwide—her words risked escalating an already volatile situation.
Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed this head-on during a Fox News appearance on March 23, 2025. She warned Crockett to “tread very carefully,” saying, “She is an elected public official… nothing will happen to Elon Musk, and we’re going to fight to protect all of the Tesla owners.” On March 24, Bondi told Sean Hannity that Crockett’s remarks “promote violence,” calling for her to denounce them and face House censure. Bondi’s stance reflects a growing concern about the real-world fallout from such statements.
That fallout hit close to home just days later. On March 24, three explosive devices were found at a Tesla dealership in Austin, Texas—Crockett’s home state. No evidence directly ties this to her comments, but the timing is striking. Bondi noted, “Words have consequences… three explosive devices were found” after Crockett spoke. Tesla’s history of being targeted only heightens the stakes, making her rhetoric a reckless move for someone in her position.
Crockett’s defense hinges on intent, but perception matters just as much. Her Tesla Takedown call, amplified by her congressional platform, could inspire unstable individuals to act—whether she meant it to or not. Congress should censure her to make it clear: elected officials can’t flirt with language that echoes violence without facing consequences. The Austin incident underscores why this isn’t just a political spat—it’s a public safety issue demanding accountability.
