Man Tries to Set Tesla Chargers on Fire, Accidentally Sets Himself on Fire As Well
Hostility toward Elon Musk has led to attacks on Tesla's Supercharger stations. The AP reports that a vandal burned three chargers in a South Carolina lot and painted "fuck Trump, long live the Ukraine" nearby, clearly referencing Musk and Trump's connections to Putin. The plan backfired when the perpetrator's clothes caught fire after lighting homemade Molotov cocktails from beer bottles, according to police statements.
This event shows escalating anger aimed at Musk and his electric car company. While many protests at Tesla locations globally remain peaceful, some incidents involve property damage and illegal activities. Under the "Tesla Takedown" movement, protesters express opposition to Musk's government involvement and extreme right-wing viewpoints. The group states: "Elon Musk is destroying our democracy, and he's using the fortune he built at Tesla to do it," though they officially reject "violence, vandalism and destruction of property."
Yet some individuals ignore these guidelines. Recently, four Cybertrucks were burned in a Seattle parking area. Though authorities haven't confirmed motives, these attacks likely connect to anti-Tesla demonstrations in the region. Charging stations have become frequent targets, with the Washington Post noting other instances of Molotov cocktail attacks. In February, a person fired an AR-style rifle into an Oregon Tesla showroom.
Perhaps most damaging to Musk is how his behavior has harmed Tesla financially. With the company's reputation severely damaged, he faces numerous challenges both real and symbolic.
