Tesla Takedown Protests: Global Day of Action Planned

Global Protests Target Tesla Amidst Rising Rhetoric

Organizers of the “Tesla Takedown” movement are anticipating their largest demonstration to date, with planned protests occurring globally. These actions aim to peacefully express opposition to Elon Musk’s influence on governmental spending cuts, targeting Tesla showrooms, dealerships, and charging locations.

As demonstrations against Tesla have increased in frequency, a concerning trend has emerged. Peaceful activists displaying signs are being mistakenly associated with individuals engaging in acts of vandalism, including the use of Molotov cocktails. This distinction is becoming increasingly blurred, both on social media platforms and within political discourse.

Escalating Accusations and Potential Consequences

Former President Donald Trump has characterized attacks on Tesla facilities as “domestic terrorism,” threatening severe repercussions for those involved, including imprisonment in El Salvador.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has vowed to prosecute individuals allegedly coordinating and funding these incidents, despite evidence suggesting the attacks were perpetrated by isolated actors. Furthermore, Musk’s public accusations against peaceful protesters, alleging criminal activity on his platform X, have contributed to a narrative equating legitimate protest with destructive vandalism and even terrorism.

A concerning outcome of this rhetoric is the potential for peaceful protesters to face legal consequences typically reserved for extremist groups if government or law enforcement agencies begin to categorize all anti-Tesla actions as criminal offenses.

The Legal Implications of Equating Protest with Terrorism

Mike German, a former FBI special agent and fellow at the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, explained to TechCrunch that “terrorism is a problematic concept in law enforcement.” He further stated that its definition, centered on political motivation, often leads to counterterrorism measures infringing upon the civil rights of individuals exercising their First Amendment rights.

The Tesla Takedown movement consistently advocates for nonviolence at its rallies and through its official website. The movement’s primary objective is not to inflict physical harm on Tesla or Elon Musk, but to encourage divestment – urging individuals to sell their Tesla stock and refrain from purchasing new vehicles.

Financial Motivation Behind the Protests

Natasha Purdum, a New Jersey-based organizer, articulated the movement’s strategy to TechCrunch. She explained that reducing Tesla’s stock price is seen as a key tactic to impact Musk’s financial influence and counteract what organizers perceive as detrimental effects on federal governance, linked to Musk’s involvement with DOGE.

Elon Musk’s substantial wealth is largely tied to his ownership of approximately 13% of Tesla, currently valued at around $829 billion. This stake translates to roughly $107.8 billion for Musk personally. This financial power enabled his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, his primary communication channel to 219 million followers, and has also facilitated over $260 million in donations to the America PAC supporting Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns.

Increased Surveillance and Law Enforcement Involvement

Drawing on his 16 years of experience as an FBI special agent specializing in domestic terrorism, German anticipates increased collaboration between local police and terrorism taskforces, including the recently formed FBI unit, to monitor Tesla Takedown protests.

According to the Attorney General’s Guidelines, the FBI can initiate physical surveillance – including photography of individuals, vehicles, and license plates, deployment of informants, and access to private databases – without requiring a factual basis for suspecting terrorism.

German emphasized that law enforcement in the United States often prioritizes the protection of wealth and corporate interests. He noted that corporations wield significant political influence and can leverage their access to officials to frame protests as law enforcement issues rather than legitimate public concerns.

The FBI declined to comment on whether it is taking any specific actions in response to the planned protests. However, the NYPD’s counterterrorism unit was present at a Saturday protest in New York City, stating their objective was to prevent acts of violence such as arson.

“We’re going to go after them”

Both Musk and the Trump administration have intensified their rhetoric leading up to March 29, when over 213 Tesla Takedown protests are scheduled worldwide, spanning locations from Colorado and Kentucky to Germany, Minnesota, France, and Texas.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report,” Musk stated that he and Trump intend to “go after…the ones providing the money, the ones pushing the lies and propaganda.”

Trump has suggested that the attacks on Tesla property were orchestrated to intimidate Musk, despite internal assessments indicating otherwise. Musk has also made unsubstantiated claims that certain Tesla Takedown organizers were funded by ActBlue, a nonprofit supporting progressive causes and Democratic candidates.

Bondi accused Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) of “calling for further insurrection” after Crockett advocated for “taking down” Musk at a virtual Tesla Takedown rally. Despite Crockett’s accompanying calls for nonviolence and peaceful demonstrations, Bondi cautioned her to “tread very carefully.”

German pointed out that this type of rhetoric is a recurring tactic used by governments to discredit and suppress protest movements by portraying isolated acts of violence as stemming from harmful ideologies.

Organizer’s Advice and Commitment to Nonviolence

Purdum advised protesters to prioritize their safety, urging them to leave if they feel unsafe, comply with local protest regulations, avoid trespassing, follow police instructions, and have legal counsel readily available.

Stephanie Frizzell, a Tesla Takedown organizer from Dallas, emphasized the movement’s unwavering commitment to nonviolence. She stated that the goal is to challenge Musk’s actions, and that defending free speech is essential to a functioning democracy, and that the movement will not be intimidated into silence.