Attacks on Tesla in the US are increasing... Protesters' note: 'Kill Elon'

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

It has been reported that at least a dozen attacks have been carried out against Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and vehicles across the US in recent weeks. Following US President Donald Trump's appointment of Tesla CEO Elon Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk moved to lay off the majority of federal employees. It was noted that Americans, reacting to Musk's claims that he wants to reduce government spending, have been carrying out attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships.

In Loveland, Colorado, a 40-year-old woman named Lucy Grace Nelson allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla dealership on January 29. Police announced that Nelson had attacked the same dealership four more times in recent weeks and had written 'Nazi cars' on the building. It was announced that Nelson was arrested last week. Attackers sharing on social media accounts have accused Musk of supporting antisemitic claims and insulting victims of Nazism.

According to an NBC News report, it was reported that more than half a dozen Tesla charging stations were intentionally set on fire near Boston. At a Tesla dealership in Dedham, Massachusetts, it was announced that a man damaged three vehicles with spray paint. It was highlighted that this was the second attack on the same dealership. Police officials pointed out that the words 'Kill Elon' were written on the dealership's door.

In Tigard, Oregon, at least seven shots were fired at a Tesla dealership. While three cars were damaged, the windows of the vehicles were shattered. In North Charleston, South Carolina, it was stated that an individual threw ignited beer bottles at a Tesla charging station. Police said the man accidentally set his own clothes on fire.

'NOT FREE SPEECH'

Musk responded to a video regarding an act of vandalism in Maryland, stating, 'Damaging other people's property, i.e., vandalism, is not free speech.' Trump appointed Musk to head DOGE in the week he took office in February. The US press reported that DOGE wanted to 'rapidly reduce' the federal workforce and government programs.

Democrats opposed the famous billionaire's role, claiming that Musk would prioritize markets rather than government institutions and social rights. According to the Democrats, Musk working simultaneously as both a wealthy business person and a public official created a conflict of interest.

The attacks on Tesla dealerships coincided with a decline in the company's sales. While electric vehicle sales are increasing in Europe, it was reported that Tesla's new vehicle registrations fell by 45 percent in January. Market analysts emphasized that Tesla is experiencing a similar decline in China.

MUSK'S WEALTH IS MELTING

Musk's entry into politics has also affected his personal wealth. Since mid-December, Musk's net worth has decreased by over 100 billion dollars along with the sale of Tesla shares. Tesla shares have lost more than 30 percent of their value since the beginning of the year.

Michael Morris, a professor at Columbia Business School, stated that Musk's government reform efforts are being met with cultural backlash, and made the following remarks:

''It would be a tragedy for the world if Elon Musk's successful work at Tesla, SpaceX, and his solar energy company were to be harmed due to his government reform initiatives.''

News Source: 12punto