How anger toward Musk is fueling attacks on Tesla facilities
What's the story
In recent days, Tesla facilities across the United States have been hit by a wave of violent protests and attacks. The unrest is largely connected to Elon Musk's association with President Donald Trump's cost-cutting task force, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Since its inception in January, DOGE has axed thousands of federal jobs, triggering a widespread backlash against the electric vehicle maker. There have been at least 10 acts of vandalism in recent weeks, according to reports.
Details
Tesla facilities targeted by series of violent protests
The protests are part of the "Tesla Takedown" movement, where some demonstrations have turned into acts of destruction. In northern Colorado, one Lucy Grace Nelson was arrested for allegedly causing between $5,000 and $20,000 in damage to a Tesla dealership. The 42-year-old woman is accused of vandalizing the dealership with graffiti and starting fires using Molotov cocktails inside vodka bottles. She remains in custody.
Escalation
Musk's DOGE has reportedly led to thousands of job cuts
Acts of arson were also reported in a Maryland Tesla dealership and at Loveland Tesla dealership. Seven Tesla charging stations were set ablaze in Massachusetts, while shots were fired at a Tesla dealership in Portland, damaging three cars and shattering windows. However, the unrest isn't limited to property damage. It includes public demonstrations against Musk. A 39-year-old man, Harrison Grant Randall, was charged with vandalizing several Tesla automobiles in the Boston neighborhood of Brookline with Musk stickers, citing "free speech."
Protest
Tesla owners have also participated in the protests
At a West Village showroom in Manhattan on Saturday, one protester shouted, "Nobody voted for Elon Musk." Another sign, referencing Musk's other company, SpaceX, read, "Send Musk to Mars Now!!" Some Tesla owners have also participated in the protests in their own way, by selling their automobiles. "I'm sort of embarrassed to be seen in that car now," one owner told the Times before trading it in.
Reaction
Elon Musk responds to protests
In response to the mounting protests, Musk said damaging property isn't free speech. He also posted details of groups he claims are responsible for the demonstrations. The movement against Musk seeks to bring down the company's stock values by placing pressure on shareholders. Incidentally, Tesla's worst month since 2022 coincided with Musk's first full month in the White House. Per NBC, during his first month in the White House, shares of Tesla plunged 28%, the steepest drop since December 2022.