Protests, broken windows, even arson: Tesla’s massive Elon problem

But for some people, simply not buying a Tesla isn’t enough to sufficiently register their displeasure. This past weekend, there were demonstrations outside Tesla showrooms across the United States.

A day of protests

Kathy Jones, protesting outside a Tesla service center in Dayton, Ohio, told the Dayton Daily News: “I want to get Elon Musk out of the government. He was not elected; he needs to go.”

A similar message was heard in Boston. “This government led by Trump and Musk, it’s gone completely off the rails, and we are here to stop that,” Carina Campovasso told The Associated Press.

And also in Baltimore. “[Musk] has no authority to decide policy for the US government,” said James Powers, outside the Tesla store in Owings Mills, Maryland, describing Musk’s role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency as “absolutely illegal.”

Protests had been gathering at Tesla stores in Seattle for some weeks now. “It’s sparked a flame, and it’s catching,” Bill Alexander told the Seattle Times. “Out of our church, I expected maybe 30 people to be here, but it’s lovely to see how far and wide it’s growing.”

In New York, a protest resulted in a broken glass door due to too many photographers jostling to get a shot of people holding signs—rugged camera equipment usually beats plate glass in such situations. Still, nine people were arrested, including two who refused to leave the Tesla store.

In other cases, people are taking more direct action. Anti-Musk graffiti showed up at the Tesla store in Owings Mills, Maryland. A Tesla store in Loveland, Colorado, was repeatedly vandalized, both with graffiti but also molotov cocktails. In Oregon, a Tesla showroom had its windows shot out more than once and saw an arson attempt on a car. And 12 Teslas were burned to the ground at a Tesla store in Toulouse, France.