Anti-Musk protesters have rallied outside Tesla dealerships across the USA in a wave of “Tesla Takedown” demonstrations, with at least nine people being arrested in New York City. Vandalism targeting Tesla owners and dealerships, including a fire at a Tesla supercharger station in Massachusetts, has been reported. The protesters are against Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts and have criticized his offensive posts, the rightward tilt of X social media platform under his stewardship, and his influence on federal spending.
Some Tesla owners, particularly Cybertruck owners, have reported being harassed by other motorists and vandalized cars. There have been incidents of people spray painting messages against Musk on Tesla dealerships, firing gunshots at dealership windows, and starting fires at charging stations. The protests and vandalism have escalated due to Musk’s political engagement, controversial remarks, and actions that have polarized opinion.
In response to the vandalism, Tesla is reportedly adding new security features to its vehicles to prevent further incidents. These features may include an alarm to protect against keying, as suggested by a Tesla driver on social media. Elon Musk himself has responded to the suggestion, indicating that cars could honk at people as a warning. Teslas already have security features such as cabin cameras, alarms for unauthorized entry, and Sentry Mode to deter thieves or vandals and notify owners of any suspicious activity.
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