Recent protests against Elon Musk have sparked violent demonstrations in the United States and internationally.
On Saturday, large crowds gathered outside Tesla showrooms across America to voice their anger at Musk’s political actions, particularly his push to reduce government spending and introduce significant reforms.
The protests spread to cities worldwide, including London, Portugal, Malaysia, and Iceland, signaling a growing backlash.
New York’s Heated Demonstration
In New York City, around 250 protesters took to the streets outside a Tesla showroom.
Holding signs that read “Block Fascism Now” and “Musk Must Go,” they shouted, “Elon Musk is not elected! Democracy must be protected!”
This protest became tense, with five individuals arrested for disorderly conduct.
One person was taken into custody for resisting arrest, obstructing justice, and violating local laws.
Growing Acts of Vandalism and Violence
The wave of anti-Musk sentiment has led to numerous acts of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the country.
Since President Trump’s inauguration, police reports have indicated more than a dozen such incidents.
One of the most alarming occurred in February when a Tesla showroom in Salem, Oregon, was shot at with an AR-15-style rifle.
The suspect, Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, is also linked to a Molotov cocktail attack at the same store in January.
Seattle’s Cybertruck Blaze
In Seattle, four Tesla Cybertrucks were set on fire overnight in what police are investigating as potential arson.
Firefighters were called to the scene around 11 p.m. in the SoDo neighborhood, where the vehicles were found engulfed in flames.
Two vehicles suffered severe damage.
Firefighters took precautions to avoid further damage from the cybertrucks’ lithium batteries, which can pose additional fire hazards.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
The Lansky Connection
Lansky, the suspected vandal from Oregon, has a troubling history with Tesla dealerships.
After allegedly causing damage with Molotov cocktails at a showroom in January, he returned in February, firing multiple shots at the building and at least one vehicle.
Lansky was arrested and charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device and is currently detained as further court proceedings unfold.
Ongoing Investigations and Arrests
Lansky’s arrest follows a string of similar incidents targeting Tesla dealerships across the nation.
In Oregon, police are working with the FBI to investigate a shooting at a Tesla dealership in Tigard, outside Portland.
Investigators believe at least seven shots were fired, damaging three cars and shattering windows.
Miraculously, no one was injured.
Authorities are exploring the possibility that the attack was politically motivated, as many other Tesla dealerships across Oregon and beyond have been targeted in similar ways.
A Pattern of Destruction
In other recent incidents, Tesla charging stations have also been deliberately set on fire.
Last week, seven stations in Massachusetts were targeted in what local authorities described as intentional fires.
Additionally, a Tesla dealership in Colorado was defaced with Molotov cocktails, and the words “Nazi cars” were spray-painted on the building.
In the wake of these violent actions, graffiti reading “No Musk” and resembling a swastika appeared at a dealership, signaling the continued anger at Musk and his political stance.
The Backlash Against Musk’s Policies
These protests and acts of violence come amid growing resentment over Musk’s efforts to downsize government agencies.
His Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been pushing for massive cuts to federal employees, including veterans.
As tensions rise, the question remains: what will be the next step in this escalating conflict between Musk’s reforms and those who vehemently oppose them?