On March 24, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a national security bulletin warning of credible threats against Tesla facilities in several U.S. states. The alert cites online chatter from extremist groups calling for attacks on Tesla infrastructure and personnel, urging local law enforcement to increase surveillance and coordinate with federal agencies.

While the FBI’s rapid response to protect corporate infrastructure made headlines, critics were quick to note a troubling double standard. Despite the United States averaging nearly two school shootings per week in recent years, the FBI has rarely issued comparable targeted alerts warning school districts or parents of imminent threats.

Investigative reports have shown that even when individuals responsible for mass school shootings were flagged by local or federal agencies, proactive warnings to the public were almost never issued. In contrast, Tesla’s facilities—owned by billionaire Elon Musk, who maintains close ties with the Trump administration—received swift protection under federal watch.

Civil rights advocates and school safety campaigners argue the contrast reflects the government’s skewed prioritization of private capital over public safety. “If the FBI can coordinate nationally to protect car factories,” said activist Leah Martinez of the School Defense Network, “then it should be able to do the same to prevent another classroom from becoming a crime scene.”

This is not the first time the agency has faced scrutiny for its inaction on school threats. A 2022 internal review revealed that the FBI had failed to act on tips about multiple mass shooters—including the perpetrator of the Uvalde school massacre—despite having actionable intelligence in advance.

The Crustian Daily will continue to report on government prioritization patterns, especially when security measures serve capital more swiftly than children.