Staff Reports
Tesla and its CEO Elon Mus,k have become the targets of a wave of vandalism and violence, as activists opposed to Musk’s political role in the Trump administration escalate their protests. The incidents range from graffiti and keying vehicles to arson attacks on Tesla dealerships and charging stations. This troubling trend reached a peak during a Mardi Gras parade, where Tesla Cybertruck owner Josh Hazel was attacked by protesters hurling glass beads, leaving his vehicle damaged and his wife injured. While the activists claim to be fighting against Musk’s policies, their actions have crossed the line into criminal behavior, raising concerns about the safety of Tesla owners and employees.
The protests, branded as part of a “Global Day of Action” under the Tesla Takedown movement, aim to financially harm Musk by boycotting Tesla products and driving down stock prices. While organizers insist that their demonstrations are peaceful, the reality tells a different story. Reports of Molotov cocktails thrown at dealerships, Nazi symbols spray-painted on vehicles, and Cybertrucks set ablaze paint a picture of chaos rather than constructive activism. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled these acts as “domestic terrorism,” emphasizing that such violence will not be tolerated. The FBI has even launched a dedicated task force to investigate these attacks, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
The motivations behind these protests stem from Musk’s leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has spearheaded efforts to reduce federal expenditures by slashing government programs and jobs. Critics accuse him of undermining democracy and dismantling vital services, but resorting to violence against Tesla properties and owners undermines their credibility. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue or peaceful protest, these activists have chosen tactics that alienate the public and overshadow their cause.
For Tesla owners like Josh Hazel and Abigail Gill, who depend on their vehicles for daily life, the vandalism is deeply personal. Hazel’s Cybertruck was damaged during the parade, while Gill’s Tesla was keyed in Wichita, Kansas, leaving her with thousands of dollars in repair costs. These attacks highlight the growing hostility toward individuals simply for owning Tesla vehicles, turning them into unwilling participants in a political battle they did not choose. Despite this, many Tesla owners remain loyal to the brand, with some even doubling down on their support as a form of defiance against the activists.
Ironically, these violent actions may be backfiring on their perpetrators. While Tesla’s sales have taken a hit in recent months, public sympathy for Musk and his company is growing among conservatives who view these attacks as emblematic of broader societal issues—intolerance toward differing viewpoints and disregard for property rights. As law enforcement ramps up efforts to hold vandals accountable, it is clear that such destructive protests will only strengthen Musk’s resolve and galvanize his supporters. In the end, these activists may find that their campaign against Tesla has inadvertently fueled greater interest in the very company they sought to undermine.
