Vandalizing Teslas Could Be A Hate Crime Now
A recent string of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles in Washington, D.C., has led police to wonder whether the acts should qualify as hate crimes under the city’s laws protecting political affiliation.
The graffiti, which included sarcastic and overtly political messages referencing Tesla CEO Elon Musk, was captured by the vehicles' Sentry Mode cameras, offering authorities clear images of the alleged vandals.
Key Points
- Multiple Tesla vehicles were vandalized in Washington, D.C., with politically charged graffiti referencing Elon Musk and the federal government.
- D.C. police are considering whether the acts could be prosecuted as hate crimes under the city's protections for political affiliation.
- Sentry Mode cameras on the Teslas captured clear images of the suspects, aiding the ongoing investigation.
According to Politico, two suspects are being sought for defacing several Teslas in the district. The damage was limited to simple graffiti, but the content of the messages has prompted legal scrutiny. One of the vehicles was marked with the phrase “I Love Musk and hate the Fed Gov.t,” while others read “Let’s do away with the administrative state! Buy a Tesla!” and “Ask me about my support of Nazis.” The messages are a blend of sarcasm and political commentary—it's all very cringey.
The new narrative is attempting to position Tesla as a cultural and political symbol—while the vandalism is being fuelled by a modern cocktail of general malaise, ennui, and dopamine.
D.C. is among a small number of jurisdictions that explicitly include political affiliation under its hate crime laws, alongside categories like race, religion, and gender.
That has led authorities to ask whether targeting Tesla vehicles with politically charged messages should fall under that framework. Fortunately—for all of us—there likely isn't enough precedent to classify vandalising Teslas as discrimination based on political affiliation, especially considering most Teslas you see on the road were bought "before Elon went crazy," as the popular bumper sticker reads.
So far, local authorities have not confirmed whether any charges will be filed beyond vandalism. As of now, the investigation remains active. Meanwhile, the FBI has created a task force to investigate the violence against Tesla erupting nationwide.
Once positioned as the most progressive automaker—to sickening effect— the brand has become officially politicized following Musk’s public support of President Donald Trump and his new role in attempting to dismantle certain federal programs.
Trump recently vowed to buy a Tesla in response to what he called a left-wing boycott of the brand, he even turned the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom for an afternoon.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Perhaps then the Justice department can call vandalizing an Audi a "patriotic demonstration"?
"LMFAO knock off the pearl clutching. Graffiti is simple vandalism; a brick through the window is a much different proposition."
Please enlighten me on your interpretation of "simple vandalism" while I'm clutching these pearls because there is nothing simple about having to shell out the $500-$1000 deductible to have your car fixed after some delusional psycho decided they were justified in scratching, dinging or spray painting someone's property. Plus the insurance company possible raising your rates because the vehicle is now a target. You seem to be ok with this.
Michael Accardi says "LMFAO knock off the pearl clutching. Graffiti is simple vandalism; a brick through the window is a much different proposition."
Get lost, Accardi. That's a d-a comment. I'm not a lib, but it's expensive and time-consuming to get this kind of vandalism repaired. And it's a crime, not free speech. Get some smarts.