Vandalism Against Tesla Owners and Dealerships Escalates Amidst Backlash Against Elon Musk
A disturbing trend of vandalism targeting Tesla owners and dealerships is sweeping across the nation, fueled by growing animosity towards Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his increasingly prominent role in American politics. The latest incident involves a fire at a Tesla supercharger station in Massachusetts, which authorities suspect was intentionally set. This incident is just one in a string of acts of vandalism that have plagued Tesla owners and dealerships in recent weeks.
The backlash against Musk stems from various factors, including his support for former President Donald Trump, his efforts to cut government spending, his controversial posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and his perceived rightward shift in political ideology. These actions have sparked outrage among some segments of the population, leading to protests and, in some cases, vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships.
Cybertruck owners have reported instances of harassment, including vulgar notes left on their vehicles and obscene gestures from other motorists. Social media platforms and online marketplaces have also become a breeding ground for anti-Musk sentiment, with Etsy offering stickers for Tesla owners that read, "This Tesla does not endorse Elon Musk," "Anti Elon Tesla Club," and "I bought this before Elon went crazy."
Tesla owners are increasingly concerned about the potential for vandalism and have called on Musk and the company to take action to protect their vehicles. According to a media outlet focused on Tesla and other Musk-owned companies, owners are asking for enhanced security features to deter vandals.
The incidents of vandalism range from minor acts of graffiti to more serious crimes, such as arson and property destruction. In Colorado, a woman was charged with malicious destruction of property for allegedly spray-painting graffiti on signs and vehicles at a Tesla dealership. The photos from the federal arrest documents also show small fires on the lot of the dealership that are believed to have been started by molotov cocktails inside vodka bottles. The suspect is seen throwing the explosives across the lot in some of the photos.
In New York City, nine people were arrested during a protest outside a Tesla dealership. In Maryland, another Tesla dealership was vandalized with the words "No Musk" and an "X" spray-painted on the dealership’s windows. Police in Massachusetts are investigating fires at Tesla charging stations outside a shopping center, which they believe were intentionally set. In Salem, Oregon, gunshots were fired at the windows of a Tesla dealership, and police are investigating a suspected arson that occurred earlier in the year. Last month, a Tennessee man was charged with threatening to burn down a Musk-owned data center in Memphis.
Musk’s rise as a polarizing figure has coincided with his growing involvement in American politics. He has become a vocal supporter of President Trump and has played a significant role in implementing the former president’s agenda. His efforts to cut government spending, his criticisms of Social Security, and his support for right-wing parties in Germany have all drawn criticism. Musk has also been accused of making a Nazi-like salute during a Trump inaugural event, which he has denied.
In response to the growing threat of vandalism, Tesla is reportedly developing new security features to protect its vehicles. According to a post on Teslarati, the electric vehicle maker is "adding a new feature that will aim to fight off vandals as anti-Elon Musk protests continue to be a true threat to the company’s owners and employees." However, the exact nature of this new feature remains unclear.
Another post on X, owned and heavily influenced by Musk, features a driver asking if there is "any way of getting in a software update an (sic) alarm to protect from keying the car." The user suggests that the car could warn potential vandals that they are being filmed and reported to the authorities. Musk responded to the post, suggesting that the car could honk at people if the owner wants it to.
Teslarati wrote that the update "seems like an easy fix, and it can be installed through an Over-the-Air update." Tesla vehicles are already equipped with security features, including cabin cameras, alarms that are triggered if the trunk or doors are opened without a key, and Sentry Mode, which monitors the environment around unattended cars. Sentry Mode uses external cameras and can activate alerts and alarms to deter potential thieves or vandals and notify owners via a mobile app if something is happening.
The escalating vandalism against Tesla owners and dealerships highlights the growing polarization in American society. Musk’s controversial actions and statements have made him a target of public anger, and his critics are increasingly resorting to vandalism and other forms of aggression to express their disapproval. It remains to be seen whether Tesla’s new security features will be effective in deterring vandals and protecting Tesla owners. The incidents underscore the urgent need for a more civil and respectful dialogue in American politics and society. The targeting of individuals and their property based on their association with a particular figure or ideology is unacceptable and undermines the principles of a free and democratic society.
