A Tesla sedan sits at a charging location in St. Louis, Missouri, among other charging Teslas.
San Jose, California – Authorities in San Jose have apprehended a man suspected of keying a Tesla vehicle parked in a Costco parking lot, an incident that has garnered significant attention amid a nationwide surge in anti-Tesla vandalism. The arrest comes as tensions rise due to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s vocal stance against what he deems “wasteful federal spending.”
The San Jose Police Department announced the arrest within 24 hours of the incident being reported, highlighting the swift response to what they termed “viral vandalism.” While the suspect’s name has not been released, Police Chief Paul Joseph confirmed the arrest on X, the social media platform owned by Musk.
Video footage of the alleged vandalism, which circulated widely on X, depicted a white-bearded man wearing a jacket with “USA” emblazoned on the sleeves, running an object along the side of the Tesla. The video, which amassed over 647,000 views, sparked widespread calls for justice from X users.
One user demanded immediate action from the San Jose Police Department, stating, “The @SanJosePD needs to take action against this vandal immediately. There is no excuse for inaction.” Musk himself responded to the police department’s announcement with an American flag emoji.
Chief Joseph emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “This senseless crime and its subsequent consequences should serve as a clear reminder: no matter one’s personal beliefs or frustrations, they do not justify illegal actions.” He urged the public to “respect one another” and “respect the law.”
The incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing vandalism and arson attacks targeting Tesla properties across the country. U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi has characterized some of these violent attacks as acts of “domestic terrorism,” underscoring the gravity of the offenses and the government’s commitment to prosecution.
“The days of committing crimes without consequences have ended,” Bondi stated on Thursday, signaling a firm stance against such acts. The San Jose arrest highlights the authorities’ dedication to swiftly addressing these incidents, as the debate surrounding Tesla and its CEO’s political views continues to fuel public discourse and, in some cases, criminal activity.
