A Tesla owner in California confronted a suspected vandal after discovering a swastika etched into the side of his vehicle, an incident that has now sparked broader outrage and renewed concerns about politically motivated attacks on Elon Musk supporters.
The incident occurred outside a shopping center in the Los Angeles area, where the Tesla was parked in a public lot. According to the vehicle’s owner, who shared details with local authorities and online, surveillance footage showed a man loitering near the car before allegedly scratching the hate symbol into the driver’s side door using a sharp object.
Witnesses said the vandal was approached by the vehicle’s owner shortly after the act. A tense exchange reportedly followed, with the Tesla driver confronting the man over the symbol and damage. The suspect allegedly responded with a string of insults targeting Tesla, Elon Musk, and what he referred to as “MAGA extremists,” before fleeing the scene.
Police have confirmed that a report was filed and that they are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspect. Investigators believe the vandalism was politically charged, possibly tied to ongoing online campaigns targeting Tesla owners and the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, for his perceived alignment with conservative causes and figures.
The swastika, universally recognized as a hate symbol, added a layer of severity to the incident, prompting civil rights groups to call for a full investigation into whether hate crime statutes apply.
Tesla, which has faced multiple waves of politically motivated backlash in recent years, has not issued an official comment, but Elon Musk previously addressed similar incidents on social media, condemning what he calls “leftist extremism” targeting his company and customers.
The victim is seeking to press charges once the suspect is apprehended and is also considering legal action for property damage and hate-based intimidation. Community members have rallied in support of the owner, with several Tesla clubs and advocacy groups speaking out against acts of vandalism rooted in political or ideological hostility.
The Los Angeles Police Department continues to gather evidence and has encouraged witnesses to come forward as the investigation unfolds.