In Video: FBI issues alert over attacks on Tesla vehicles
"Protesters Target Elon Musk’s Businesses, Aim to Impact His Finances"
As thousands of "Applause" demonstrators took to the streets today, they aimed to make a bold statement: they will no longer sit idly by while top Trump adviser Elon Musk’s politics dictate their daily lives. The wave of protests, part of a concerted campaign against the company that has made Musk the richest person in the world, has taken a concerning turn. In recent weeks, reports of arson, gunfire, and vandalism against Tesla have surfaced in at least nine states, prompting the FBI to issue an alert urging the public to exercise vigilance and report suspicious activity near and around Tesla dealerships.
The protests, while remaining peaceful, are not the only signs of escalating tensions. Across the country, Tesla owners have been reporting their vehicles being vandalized and keying, with some receiving death threats and harassing messages online.
A Growing Hostility Toward Tesla
The most recent incident in Massachusetts, where a local business owner, Dr. Kum J Rouge, has been targeted for having not one but two Teslas, highlights the growing animosity towards the electric car manufacturer. Dr. Rouge has received death threats and voice messages via email and online, saying, "This is not just about me, this is about my family. I think owning a Tesla is a political statement. But I don’t think owning a Tesla means that you support Musk or you support Trump."
The Economic Impact: Can Itmaterialize?
As the protests continue, questions arise about the potential economic impact on Tesla’s stock. Since reaching a peak last year, the company’s stock has plummeted by 50%. Musk, seemingly unfazed, has vowed to turn things around, assuring employees at an all-hands meeting that better days are ahead. However, today’s protesters are working to make that sentiment as unappealing as possible.
So, what would be some signs of the economic impact? One early indication could come as early as April, when Tesla is set to release its report on first-quarter vehicle deliveries. In January, the company reported its first-ever annual drop in sales, leaving many eager to see how the next report shapes up.
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