Staff Reports
The escalating hostility toward Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk has taken a troubling turn, with incidents of vandalism and violence targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities across the nation. One such incident unfolded during a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, where two Tesla Cybertruck owners, Joshua Hazel and Christina G., faced aggressive harassment while participating in the Orpheus parade. What began as a celebration of innovation and community spirit quickly devolved into a scene of hostility, underscoring the growing tensions surrounding Musk’s leadership and his controversial role in reshaping federal government operations.
Hazel and Christina had enthusiastically joined the parade, decorating their Cybertrucks with American flags and custom wraps to escort parade marshals. However, as the parade progressed along Napoleon Avenue, sections of the crowd turned hostile. Hazel’s Cybertruck was struck by large beads hurled with force, injuring his wife and shattering part of the vehicle’s glass trim. Christina’s vehicle also sustained significant damage when an unidentified object broke its top glass. Both owners described the attacks as “aggressive” and “hateful,” with insults referencing Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative—a program aimed at cutting federal waste that has sparked outrage among left-wing activists.
These incidents are part of a broader wave of anti-Tesla protests fueled by Musk’s close association with former President Donald Trump and his efforts to streamline government operations through DOGE. Critics accuse Musk of dismantling federal agencies and targeting progressive causes, leading to coordinated demonstrations under the “Tesla Takedown” banner. While organizers claim their protests are peaceful, acts of vandalism—such as arson at Tesla dealerships and physical attacks on Tesla vehicles—tell a different story. The violence has raised concerns about the increasingly polarized political climate, where dissent often escalates into destructive behavior.
Hazel, a military veteran with over 20 years of service, expressed frustration over being labeled a “Nazi” by protesters during the parade. He emphasized that he participated in the event purely to celebrate Mardi Gras, not to make a political statement. Both Hazel and Christina filed police reports following the attacks but have received little follow-up from local authorities. The lack of accountability has left them disheartened, as they face thousands of dollars in repair costs for damages inflicted during what should have been a festive occasion.
The rise in anti-Tesla sentiment reflects deeper divisions within society, where Musk’s efforts to challenge entrenched bureaucracies have made him a lightning rod for criticism. While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, the violent targeting of individuals and their property crosses a line that undermines civil discourse. For Tesla owners like Hazel and Christina, these attacks serve as a stark reminder of how political animosity can spill over into everyday life. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to their vehicles and optimistic that reason will prevail over hostility in the long run.
