More Tesla vandalism reported in Chicago
CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago residents continue to report vandalism involving Tesla vehicles in an apparent protest against Elon Musk, a close advisor to President Donald Trump.
Peter Katz told Nexstar's WGN he walked out of his home to find an antisemitic sticker on the back of his red Tesla. Katz, who is Jewish, said he filed a police report and shared ring camera video and images with detectives.
"It's just wrong that someone's going out there and doing this in our neighborhoods for a choice that people make on a car," Katz said.
The video captured by Katz's camera showed what appeared to be a man carrying a bag while walking on the sidewalk, then toward the back of his car.
"Someone put a swastika on our car, and then it had a sticker that said Heil Elon," Katz said.
When Katz posted his ring doorbell video to social media, he said he heard from several other targeted Tesla owners in the area.
Peter Loge, a political ethics expert at George Washington University, said Elon Musk's political moves are angering consumers.
"Consumers will take out their anger on his products," Loge said. "It’s the wrong thing to do. It’s dangerous, and it’s counterproductive."
Nationwide, the country has seen several dealerships and charging stations targeted, and some set on fire. On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced three people accused of using Molotov cocktails to set fire to electric vehicles in Colorado, Oregon, and South Carolina each face federal charges. Bondi noted that she is treating such crimes as domestic terrorism.
Those convicted could face up to 20 years in prison.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke about the uptick in Tesla vandalism, as well.
"We've seen despicable and unacceptable violence taking place across our country at Tesla dealerships against workers, employees, and also innocent Americans who drive these vehicles," Leavitt said. "It's actually a scary time in our country because of this political violence from the left, and the White House and the president's entire administration condemn it wholeheartedly."
Also on Thursday, Elon Musk announced that Tesla is ramping up security at all its showrooms and lots. Some Tesla owners have gone as far as to place stickers on their vehicles to fend off vandals.
Katz, who bought his Tesla two years ago, said he is debating whether to keep the car, given the political climate.
"If it comes down to it, I might have to [sell it]," Katz said. "It's going to be at a loss, because now the value of the car is going to go down because everyone is trying to get rid of them."