(Image Credit: IMAGN) A new showroom for Tesla is located in the Portsmouth Green shopping plaza, seen Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Palm Beach County, Florida – A protest outside a Tesla dealership in Palm Beach County, Florida, took a dangerous turn over the weekend when a man drove his car into demonstrators. While no one was injured, the incident underscores the escalating tensions surrounding billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump.
The demonstration was part of a broader wave of protests across the U.S. targeting businesses linked to Tesla. Protesters have been speaking out against Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration, particularly regarding efforts to slash federal funding and reduce the workforce under the banner of government efficiency.
In recent weeks, anti-Tesla demonstrations have intensified, with attacks on the company’s properties popping up both in the U.S. and abroad. Some of the more violent incidents include a Cybertruck being set on fire in Seattle and gunfire targeting a Tesla dealership in Oregon.
The Florida protest was disrupted when Andrew Dutil, the alleged driver, slowly steered his vehicle onto the sidewalk, sending protesters scrambling to avoid being hit. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Dutil’s arrest, and court records indicate he is facing an assault charge. No attorney was immediately listed for comment on his behalf.
Palm Beach County is also home to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s residence and social hub, which the former president has referred to as the “Center of the Universe” on social media. Both Trump and Musk have drawn criticism for their collaboration through the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative focused on cutting government programs and eliminating jobs in the name of reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.
As economic and political divisions deepen, Tesla remains a flashpoint in the debate over corporate influence and government policy. The increasing number of targeted attacks and protests reflects a growing frustration among activists and workers alike.
While no injuries were reported in this latest incident, the dangerous escalation in anti-Tesla demonstrations raises concerns about public safety and the potential for further clashes. As tensions continue to mount, law enforcement agencies and community leaders will likely face mounting pressure to address both security concerns and the broader grievances fueling these protests.
