'I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy': 'Tesla Takedown' movement gains momentum

Violent assaults and acts of vandalism have swept across Tesla stores and vehicles, with Molotov cocktails and shots fired. All of this is the result of increasing ire born of Elon Musk's increasing politicization. 

"Tesla Takedown" movement gains momentum

Activated on BlueSky, a competing platform to Musk's X, the "Tesla Takedown" campaign demands Tesla owners protest Musk's growing power. The movement's central call: sell Tesla cars and stock to "stop Musk now."

Musk's government appointment sparks outrage

Elon Musk's appointment by former President Donald Trump to head the Department of Government Efficiency has sparked national outrage, adding fuel to heightened scrutiny and venom.

Tesla owners rebel

As a reaction to the violent confrontation, several Tesla owners have been employing innovative ways to disown Musk's behavior. Bumper stickers reading "I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy" or "I just wanted an electric car" have become the flag of defiance.

Protests spread online

The protests have become a social media viral phenomenon, with users posting photos of vehicles showing anti-Musk signs on social media platforms such as X. In one such picture, there is a Tesla bearing a plea sign, "Please don't key, spray paint, or fire bomb my car."

Expert insights

Sociologist Randy Blazak rationalizes that Tesla's exposure renders it a soft target. "They're on our highways, in our neighborhoods – it's a soft target."

Arrests and attacks continue

As the violence grows, Tesla owners are going to extraordinary lengths to secure themselves. The protests do not seem to be abating, with the "Tesla Takedown" campaign gathering steam.