A disturbing incident took place in Flagstaff, Arizona, when a 61-year-old woman found herself the victim of a violent road rage attack, allegedly because she was driving a Tesla.
The woman, identified only as Susan, was traveling along Route 66 on March 18 when a green car started tailing her aggressively.
Aggressive Driver Boxes Her In
Footage of the confrontation shows the green car pulling alongside Susan’s Tesla before suddenly swerving in front of her to box her in.
The situation quickly escalated when the driver of the green car approached Susan while she was still behind the wheel and allegedly began to physically assault her.
“I started to say, you cut me off, what’s your problem, but I didn’t know how much he heard me,” Susan recalled.
“Then, he got out and started punching me with a closed fist.”
A Desperate Fight for Self-Defense
During the attack, Susan claims she bit the man’s hand in an attempt to defend herself.
A few minutes later, the passenger in the green car intervened, pulling the attacker away and helping to drive the car off.
Flagstaff police confirmed the incident, stating that the driver of the green car was cited and will appear in court on Monday.
While the full details of the altercation remain unclear, Susan suspects that she was targeted specifically for driving a Tesla.
A Personal Vehicle Targeted for No Reason
“I’m just appalled. I didn’t buy my car for a political statement.
I bought it because it’s really fun to drive,” Susan said, expressing her disbelief.
“My politics have nothing to do with that. I’m ashamed of our society and what they are doing.”
This attack is part of a growing trend where Tesla drivers across the U.S. are increasingly becoming targets of violence, vandalism, and threats, seemingly due to backlash against the company’s billionaire CEO, Elon Musk.
Increasing Incidents of Tesla Backlash
Tesla-related incidents have been reported across the country and even overseas, including attacks on Teslas parked at charging stations, showrooms, and even on privately owned vehicles.
While there have been no serious injuries, the property damage and hostility towards the brand are alarming.
Experts have speculated that this trend may have intensified after political developments, such as President Trump’s policies, which included giving Musk significant influence over a new government efficiency department.
However, there is no clear indication yet if these isolated incidents will evolve into a widespread or long-term issue.
A Kansas Woman Left Distraught After Tesla Vandalized
In another recent incident, a disabled woman in Kansas had her Tesla damaged while dining with family at an Olive Garden restaurant in Wichita.
Abigail Gill, who is wheelchair-bound, discovered her brand new red Tesla had been deeply scratched on both sides of the car, causing significant damage.
Gill believes her vehicle was targeted specifically because it was a Tesla, a brand linked to Elon Musk.
“Damaging a personal vehicle does not affect Elon Musk,” she told local news.
“It’s not damaging who you’re thinking it is.”
A Disturbing Attack on a Family’s Property
The vandalism caused up to $10,000 in damage to Gill’s car, which can cost anywhere between $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the model and upgrades.
The suspect, seen wearing Lilo and Stitch pajama pants, was caught on surveillance footage keying the car’s paint both on the driver’s side and passenger’s side doors after having dined at the restaurant for about 45 minutes.
“I was so disappointed. It’s really shocking that this is happening in such a great country, a great state.
For this to be happening in Kansas, of all places, it’s just wrong,” Gill said.
The Ripple Effects of Rising Tensions
These incidents highlight an unsettling trend of increased aggression and hostility towards Tesla owners, sparking broader conversations about the intersection of politics, personal property, and public safety.