Tesla cars, showrooms, and charging points have been increasingly attacked in the U.S. and elsewhere. Reacting to this, former President Donald Trump threatened the attackers, saying that the people damaging Tesla vehicles would get up to 20 years in prison. He also warned that the people who were encouraging these attacks would be caught and punished.
Increasing Attacks on Tesla
Tesla has just pulled out of the International Auto Show in Canada due to security reasons. The company has faced more attacks since Trump appointed Elon Musk as the head of the Department of Energy (DoE). The government has also made deep government expenditure cuts following Musk's advice, which has resulted in protests outside the company's offices and factories in North America and Europe. Some of the U.S. senators who are against Musk's policies have even vowed to sell their Tesla vehicles.
Tesla Showroom and Charging Stations Attacked
- In Las Vegas, five Tesla vehicles in a showroom were set on fire. One was subsequently spray-painted with derogatory language.
- A woman was arrested last month for allegedly tossing an explosive device at Tesla cars.
- In South Carolina, a man was arrested for allegedly burning Tesla charging stations outside Charleston.
Trump's Defense of Musk and Tesla
Trump recently re-endorsed his support for Elon Musk, even buying a Tesla car. Musk himself drove five Tesla vehicles to the White House, where he gave a demonstration of their capabilities. Trump chose a red Tesla but did not drive it, as he is not allowed to drive due to security concerns.
Trump asserted that those who would attack Tesla would "experience hell", stating explicitly that his administration is backing Musk and his business.
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