Trump labels attacks on Tesla stores as domestic terrorism
What's the story
US President Donald Trump has condemned recent acts of vandalism at Tesla showrooms.
Speaking outside the White House next to a Tesla Model S, Trump was asked by a journalist if those responsible for these attacks should be classified as domestic terrorists.
He responded affirmatively, saying, "I will do that, I'll do it," and pledged to stop them.
The President emphasized these attackers are "harming a great American company."
Unrest
Recent weeks saw protests and vandalism at showrooms
Tesla, under CEO Elon Musk, has faced protests and vandalism over the last few weeks.
The incidents have taken place as Musk has become the face of the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal government.
The unrest has mostly been peaceful protests at showrooms across the US and Europe.
However, violence has also been reported, including arson attacks on Tesla cars in France and vandalism with spray paint on six cars in Lynnwood, Washington.
Perpetrators
Trump's comments on perpetrators and Tesla's recent challenges
Trump said that some of the people behind these attacks are already known, courtesy of surveillance cameras. He called them "bad guys," who also disrupt schools and universities.
The announcement comes as Tesla stocks posted their worst day in more than four years, after analysts cut their delivery projections for the first quarter and the full year.
The firm is experiencing slumps in sales and shipments in markets like China and Europe during its traditionally slow first quarter.
Response
Tesla Takedown responds to Trump's labeling of protests
Tesla Takedown, a decentralized movement aimed at protesting at Tesla showrooms, has taken issue with Trump's labeling of the vandalism as domestic terrorism.
The group called its campaign "a nonviolent grassroots protest movement" that stands against violence and property destruction.
In a statement, they explained, "Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism." They added they're not going to be intimidated by these labels.