During a demonstration at a Tesla dealership in Watertown, Massachusetts, tensions swiftly escalated when two protesters were struck by a vehicle. According to NBC Los Angeles, the incident took place last Saturday, with the side mirror of a black pickup truck making contact with the individuals. Local authorities responded, offering assistance to the injured who declined medical treatment, and initiated an investigation that is still ongoing.
The driver of the truck, a black F-150, has been tracked down by police, who have taken statements but are yet to release the individual's name. One of the injured, Frank Gerry, believes the incident was far from accidental, noting to CBS News Boston, "He was planning the whole time. It was intentional, and a deadly weapon is a car." The assistance of a strong police presence was highlighted, with no further injuries reported during the rally.
These protests come as part of a wider surge of discontent that visibly unfolded last Saturday. In what has been described as a global day of action, hundreds of protests sprang up around the world, targeting Tesla showrooms and service centers. This collective display of dissent was motivated by opposition to Elon Musk's handling of the Department of Government Efficiency and his ongoing roles that involve significant influence and access to sensitive governmental functions. Across states like New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and indeed Tesla's base ground of Texas, the message was clear as reported by NBC Los Angeles: a call to action against what they perceive as improper power consolidation and governmental layoffs at the behest of Musk.
The movement ear-marked last Saturday as a day to effectively surround all of Tesla's 277 U.S. locations. Protesters brandished signs with pointed messages denouncing Elon Musk, as evidenced by images shared via various social media platforms. Shua Sanchez, one of the protesters interviewed by CBS News Boston during a parallel protest in Boston, added another dimension to their grievances: "To raise awareness about what Elon is doing with DOGE. And firing tens of thousands of federal workers, we also want people who own Teslas to sell their car if they can and sell their stock." The concerted effort is seen not just as a demonstration but also as a means to potentially pressure a downturn in Tesla's sales and the billionaire's stock value.
