A Wave of Protests and Violence Targeting Tesla Across the U.S.
In recent weeks, Tesla, the electric car giant helmed by Elon Musk, has found itself at the center of a growing wave of protests and violent incidents across the United States. These events have unfolded against the backdrop of increasing public backlash against Musk, who was appointed as a senior adviser to President Trump following the latter’s second inauguration. The backlash appears to be driven by Musk’s controversial role in the administration, particularly his involvement in a new cost-cutting initiative dubbed the "Department of Government Efficiency," which has led to sweeping reductions in federal agencies.
Protests in Manhattan: A Flood of Anger Against Musk
One of the most notable incidents occurred in Lower Manhattan, where a nonviolent protest at a Tesla dealership in the West Village turned tense. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the gleaming showroom, chanting slogans such as “Nobody voted for Elon Musk” and “Oligarchs out, democracy in.” Some held banners, including one that read, “Send Musk to Mars Now!!”—a reference to Musk’s other venture, SpaceX. The protest, which lasted for two hours, saw some demonstrators block entrances and shut down the dealership. Six people were arrested, with five receiving summonses for disorderly conduct and one facing a charge of resisting arrest, according to the New York Police Department.
Violence Erupts at Tesla Dealerships Across the Country
The Manhattan protest was just one of several incidents targeting Tesla facilities across the U.S. In Tigard, Oregon, near Portland, employees at a Tesla dealership arrived at work on Thursday to find gunshot damage. Police reported that at least seven shots had been fired, damaging three cars and shattering windows. One bullet even penetrated a wall and struck a computer monitor. Meanwhile, in a Boston suburb, seven Tesla charging stations were intentionally set on fire at a shopping center on Monday. The police are investigating the incident, which has raised concerns about the safety of Tesla’s charging infrastructure.
In another bizarre incident, a man in Brookline, Massachusetts, was arrested for tagging six Tesla vehicles with decals depicting Elon Musk in a raised-arm pose. The man claimed that his actions constituted free speech, but Musk himself dismissed the argument, tweeting, “Damaging the property of others, aka vandalism, is not free speech!” The incident highlights the growing polarization around Musk, with some individuals taking extreme measures to express their opposition to his political involvement.
Federal Charges and Escalating Violence
The violence against Tesla has not been limited to property damage. In Colorado, federal prosecutors charged a woman with malicious destruction of property after she allegedly spray-painted “Nazi” on the side of a Tesla dealership and planted a Molotov cocktail near a vehicle. The incident has drawn attention to the broader concerns about Musk’s political alignment, particularly after he made a gesture at Trump’s inauguration that resembled a salute used in Nazi Germany and fascist Italy. Musk dismissed the criticism, calling the comparisons to Hitler "tired" in a post on X.
In Salem, Oregon, a man was arrested and charged with setting fires in front of a Tesla dealership and damaging a Tesla car in the lot on the day of the inauguration. The authorities also linked him to a shooting incident at the same dealership a month later, which caused at least $500,000 in damage. These incidents underscore the escalating tensions and the willingness of some individuals to engage in destructive acts to voice their opposition to Musk and his policies.
International Backlash Against Tesla
The backlash against Tesla is not confined to the United States. In Berlin, several fires broke out at a construction site for the expansion of a Tesla factory, with German police investigating the incidents as arson. Meanwhile, in France, a dozen Tesla cars were set on fire near the southern city of Toulouse on Sunday night. The prosecutor’s office described the blaze as “not at all accidental,” suggesting a deliberate attack. These international incidents indicate that the controversy surrounding Musk and Tesla has resonated globally, with protesters and vandals targeting the company’s operations across borders.
The Political Fallout and Its Impact on Tesla
The protests and acts of vandalism against Tesla have also sparked a political debate about the role of corporate leaders in government. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Democrat representing the Manhattan district where the protest occurred, described the demonstrations as a way for New Yorkers to express their frustration with Musk and Trump’s policies. He emphasized the importance of making it clear that “cutting the federal government off at its knees is going to hurt a lot of people.”
The backlash has also had a direct impact on Tesla’s brand and customer base. Some Tesla owners have reportedly sold their vehicles to distance themselves from Musk and his political activities. One owner told The New York Times, “I’m sort of embarrassed to be seen in that car now,” before trading in their vehicle. This sentiment reflects a broader shift in public perception, with Musk’s political involvement alienating some of the company’s once-loyal customers.
The events of the past week have left Tesla in the crosshairs of both domestic and international protests, with the company’s reputation increasingly tied to Musk’s polarizing influence. As the backlash continues to grow, it remains to be seen how Tesla will navigate this challenging landscape and whether Musk’s political ambitions will ultimately prove detrimental to the brand he has worked so hard to build.