Tesla Owners Face Rising Vandalism, Alter Cars to Deter Attacks

Tesla owners in the U.S. are increasingly facing scrutiny and vandalism, with reports of incidents such as stolen tires and scratched paint, particularly in states like Texas and California. In response, many are rebranding their vehicles by swapping out Tesla logos for those of rival automakers, aiming to distance themselves from CEO Elon Musk's controversial public persona. The Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. is investigating multiple cases of vandalism categorized as 'political hate speech', which has heightened the concerns of Tesla owners like Kim Harris, who remain vigilant against potential attacks. Various incidents of vandalism have been recorded, with one owner in Southern California sharing a video of a vandal keying their car, while another incident in Houston involved a man following and damaging a Tesla. Amid these challenges, Tesla enthusiasts continue to express their commitment to the brand while grappling with the negative attention it has received due to Musk's actions. This situation reflects a complex relationship between Tesla owners and the brand, as they navigate external pressures and personal sentiments about their vehicles.