A swastika was scratched into the side of a Tesla SUV in a parking lot in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as part of an escalating wave of vandalism targeting electric vehicle owners and dealerships. The incident sparked outrage on social media, with Musk fans quick to identify and condemn the suspect.
Tesla’s onboard cameras captured footage of the attack, which shows a man scratching the swastika into the car before walking away. Police arrested 55-year-old Chadd Ritenbaugh, charging him with two misdemeanors and two summary offenses for damaging property, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
The incident has raised questions about the intersection of politics and crime. While some see it as a hate crime, others argue that protesting Musk’s role in government is not the same thing as vandalizing his cars.
Musk fans have organized counterprotests, known as “Tesla Shield” events, to show support for the billionaire and his company. Meanwhile, anti-Musk activists plan a “global day of action” this weekend, with over 200 protests planned across the country.
The incident highlights the growing tension between pro- and anti-Musk groups, with some seeing it as a clash of ideologies and others viewing it as an attack on free speech. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Tesla owners are being targeted, and it’s leaving many in the community feeling uneasy.
Source: https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/tesla-vandalism-bucks-county-chadd-ritenbaugh-swastika-elon-musk-20250329.html