A shocking act of vandalism in New York City has put two suspects on the run after they were caught defacing a Tesla Cybertruck under the cover of darkness.
The incident, captured by the vehicle’s built-in security cameras, has ignited a larger conversation about political tensions and crime.
Caught on Camera: Vandals Carve Hate Symbols on Cybertruck
In the early hours of the morning in Brooklyn, two individuals were recorded carving offensive symbols, including a swastika and the word ‘Nazis,’ onto the doors of a Tesla Cybertruck.
The suspects, who appeared to take turns etching their messages into the vehicle, fled the scene on foot before law enforcement arrived.
According to the NYPD, the act is being treated as a hate crime, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
This is just one of many incidents involving vandalism against Tesla vehicles in recent months.
A Pattern of Attacks on Tesla Vehicles
This latest act of vandalism is not an isolated event. Earlier this month, another Cybertruck was defaced in a similar manner in Brooklyn.
The victim, Ben Hamo, a Jewish Tesla owner, expressed his devastation over the incident, stating, “I feel myself burning inside.”
Attacks against Tesla vehicles and properties have been on the rise, with vandals targeting dealerships, charging stations, and privately owned cars.
Some see these acts as a reflection of growing political divisions in the U.S., with Tesla’s connection to Elon Musk and his outspoken views making the company a frequent target.
Political Tensions Fuel Tesla Vandalism
Tesla’s recent troubles have been further complicated by its perceived ties to political figures.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed out the irony of the vandalism, noting that many Tesla owners are likely Democrats, the same group that once championed electric vehicles.
Leavitt criticized the attacks, calling them an example of “Trump derangement syndrome,” stating that the shift in attitudes toward Tesla coincided with Musk’s decision to support former President Donald Trump.
“Democrats used to be the biggest supporters of Tesla until Elon Musk aligned himself with Trump.
Now, we’re seeing targeted attacks on the brand and its customers,” she said.
Authorities Crack Down on Tesla-Related Crimes
Law enforcement agencies have taken a strong stance against vandalism and attacks on Tesla properties.
Just last week, three individuals were charged for separate attacks on Tesla facilities across the country.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a warning to potential offenders, stating, “The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended.
If you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.”
Among those charged was Adam Matthew Lansky, 41, accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon.
Authorities reported that Lansky was armed with a suppressed AR-15 at the time of the attack.
A week later, Lucy Grace Nelson, also known as Justin Thomas Nelson, 42, was arrested in Loveland, Colorado, for attempting to ignite Molotov cocktails near another dealership.
Investigators found bottles, wicks, and gasoline in Nelson’s possession.
On March 7, Daniel Clarke-Pounder, 24, allegedly spray-painted anti-Trump messages and set fire to three Tesla charging stations in Charleston, South Carolina.
The DOJ confirmed that all three suspects face serious charges, including arson of property in interstate commerce and possession of unregistered destructive devices.
If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Political Tensions and Violence
The ongoing wave of attacks on Tesla comes as the company struggles with financial instability.
Tesla’s stock price has plummeted this year, driven in part by backlash over Musk’s growing political involvement and cost-cutting measures that have sparked employee protests.
Former FBI special agent Michael Tabman warned that these incidents are part of a broader rise in politically motivated violence.
“I fear that more violence is on its way,” he said. “Maybe not just against Tesla, but in general.
Political divisions are deepening, and we’re seeing more reactionary responses.”
Tabman emphasized that hostility is escalating on both sides of the political spectrum.
“We’re a more divided country than ever before.
Hatred for the opposing side is boiling over, and that’s leading to an increase in violent acts.”
Where Does Tesla Go From Here?
As the attacks continue, Tesla owners, employees, and investors are left wondering what the future holds.
With tensions running high and Musk remaining a polarizing figure, the company is likely to remain a lightning rod for political discourse.
While law enforcement has vowed to crack down on Tesla-related crimes, the bigger question remains—will these acts of vandalism continue to escalate, or can efforts to de-escalate political tensions help put an end to these destructive attacks?