The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively investigating threats made against SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica Beach near Brownsville, Texas, according to a report by the San Antonio Express-News. on January 3rd, 2025. The threats reportedly involve plans by several individuals to target the Starship rocket planned to be launched from at the facility.
The FBI’s San Antonio field office confirmed its involvement, stating it is examining “possible bomb threats in South Texas in recent weeks.” The agency emphasized its commitment to ensuring public safety in a statement, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The Threats
The specifics of the threats have not been released, but the threats seem to allude to “a bomb” on a rocket” at the Boca Chica Facility. A witness near the SpaceX launch site reportedly overheard discussions about the threats on Christmas Eve, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The FBI noted that it is collaborating with local law enforcement and private sector partners to address the situation.
“While we are working to carefully vet and investigate the information we have received, we want to reiterate that the safety and security of the American people is the FBI’s highest concern,” the agency stated.
It’s not hard to imagine the variety of motives behind such a threat. Given Musk’s close proximity to President-elect Donald Trump as well as SpaceX’s on going battle with angry environmentalist groups, SpaceX is not without plenty of detractors. Recent incidents such as a Tesla Cyber Truck blown up in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas only emphasize the need to take all such threats seriously.
Prior Incidents at Starbase
This investigation marks at least the second bomb threat involving SpaceX’s Starbase. Previously, on December 27, 2023, a bomb threat was reported to the Brownsville Police Department through a nonemergency phone line. The caller allegedly claimed that a bomb was on a rocket, later specifying that it was on a spaceship. The matter was referred to the FBI, though officials have not disclosed whether the threat was deemed credible. The Express-News highlighted that threats of this nature have put additional scrutiny on the facility, especially given its prominence as a launch site for SpaceX’s groundbreaking Starship program.
Information Sought
The FBI is urging the public to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the agency directly. Tips can be submitted by calling 800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov. “Vigilance is key to ensuring community safety,” the FBI said in its statement, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement.
Starbase’s National Significance
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, has become one of the most prominent players in the private space industry. The Boca Chica Starbase serves as a critical hub for the company’s ambitious Starship program, which aims to enable interplanetary travel. The facility gained additional national attention when President-elect Donald Trump attended a rocket launch there following his election in November 2024.
Musk, who owns an estimated 42% stake in SpaceX, has been a close affiliate of the incoming Trump administration. According to Forbes, SpaceX is valued at $350 billion, making the company significant not only in the space sector but also as a strategic national asset.
Ongoing Investigations
The San Antonio Express-News reported that the latest threat comes as SpaceX prepares for its seventh Starship flight test, initially slated for January 10, 2025, but now reportedly delayed until next week. This test marks a significant step forward for the program, as it includes the first attempted payload deployment by the vehicle’s upper stage.
Law enforcement and federal agencies are treating the threats seriously, given the high-profile nature of SpaceX and its association with advancing U.S. space capabilities. The outcome of the investigation remains pending, and it is unclear whether the threats were credible or intended as hoaxes.
For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to play an active role in ensuring safety.
