In recent months, Tesla has been subject to violent attacks across the United States of America— both physically and virtually. Cybertrucks engulfed in flames. Tesla showrooms struck by bullets and Molotov cocktails. Vandalism and attacks on properties bearing Elon Musk’s electric-car brand are emerging both in the U.S. and internationally.
Across the border in Canada, protests have been intense but little less violent. On Wednesday, activists sprayed paint on the exterior of a Tesla dealership building in Montreal. Two activists sprayed pink paint on the entrance of a Tesla dealership in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough.
Both activists — a young man and a young woman aged 21 — have been nabbed by the police at the scene. A self proclaimed group of climate activists named Last Generation Canada has taken responsibility for the pink paint attack. The group released an official statement which read, “We took action today because we can no longer bear to see profit take priority over life. Billionaires and the ultra-rich are destroying our future for their own gain”.
Is Elon Musk the reason for hate?
The prime reason for this hate towards Tesla is its CEO, Elon Musk, who is being seen as a destroyer of democracies and accused of spreading climate denial. Musk has been targeted for his close proximity to US President Donald Trump and his crucial role in all the recent policy changes under the Trump administration. However, the recent spate of attacks could be more than climate protection.
Since taking office earlier in January this year, Trump has waged a trade war with the rest of the world. Earlier last month, the Trump administration implemented a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada. In response, the latter imposed a 25% tariff on roughly $21 billion (CA$30 billion) of US products. This has impacted US-Canada relations severely.
The vandalism has caused significant financial losses, prompting Trump’s strong stance and public show of support for the electric car maker. Last week Trump added a Tesla Model S to his fleet which he said would be used by his staff. However, violent attacks on Tesla properties don’t appear to die