PUEBLO, Colo. — Acts of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles are being reported across the United States amid growing backlash against Elon Musk’s new role in the federal government. The latest incident took place in southern Colorado, where a Pueblo resident says her Tesla was defiled in an act she believes was politically motivated.
The incident, captured on the car’s built-in security cameras, shows a pickup truck pulling up alongside the Tesla parked outside the local YMCA. A passenger is then seen exiting the truck and urinating on the vehicle before driving off. The video has been handed over to police.
The Tesla’s owner, who requested to remain anonymous out of concern for her family’s safety, spoke with News5 about the experience.
“I was baffled. Did this really happen?” she said. “The fact that my children had to endure that — it was about more than a vehicle. I was pretty upset about it.”
According to the woman, her 18-year-old son had taken the car to the YMCA when the incident occurred. Initially thinking the liquid on the car might have been spilled water, the family reviewed the video footage and discovered the truth.
In recent months, reports of vandalism toward Teslas have spiked nationwide, coinciding with Musk’s appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. His aggressive budget-cutting efforts and collaboration with former President Donald Trump’s administration have drawn both praise and sharp criticism. Analysts say the controversy may be contributing to the steepest decline in Tesla sales in company history during the first quarter of the year.
In response to inquiries from News5, the Pueblo Police Department said criminal charges could be considered, depending on the circumstances of the case. Potential charges might include disorderly conduct or vandalism.
“It’s more about the safety,” the Tesla owner said. “Just because we have a Tesla, it doesn’t mean you can commit an act of violence.”
The case remains under investigation.
