Vandalized Tesla Cybertruck Investigated as Hate Crime in New York

The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating an incident where two individuals carved a swastika on a Tesla Cybertruck in Brooklyn.

Police said the unidentified suspects allegedly “carved the word ‘Nazis’ and a swastika” on the doors of the vehicle on Thursday, ABC News reported. The Tesla was parked and unoccupied at the time.

Newsweek reached out to NYPD Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information for more information.

Why It Matters

On Monday, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI Ben Williamson confirmed on X that the agency is launching a task force to “crack down on violent Tesla attacks.”

The incidents targeting Tesla vehicles in multiple states come as Tesla CEO Elon Musk faces criticism for his role in President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk has been tasked with leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new agency created by Trump aimed at reducing government spending.

What To Know

The incident, which was captured on surveillance footage, happened around 1 a.m. on Monroe Street in Brooklyn.

Two individuals were caught vandalizing a Tesla vehicle on surveillance footage.

NYPD

The suspects then “fled on foot in an unknown direction,” police said.

Police have not announced any arrests yet.

What to Know About Vandalism at Tesla Dealerships

The attacks have also targeted Tesla dealerships in several states. During a press conference on Thursday, Las Vegas officials announced the arrest of a man who allegedly set vehicles on fire at a Tesla service center.

Paul Hyon Kim, 36, is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of arson.

Kim is also accused of spray-painting the word “RESIST” on the doors of the facility and firing shots into several vehicles during the March 18 attack.

Tesla Protests Scheduled This Weekend as Vandalism Continues

Tesla Takedown has dozens of protests scheduled in cities across the U.S. on Saturday, which it is calling a “global day of action.” The movement’s organizers are urging people to sell their Tesla vehicles and stock and join the protests.

The recent incidents of vandalism are unrelated to Tesla Takedown, which describes itself as a “peaceful protest movement.”

“We oppose violence, vandalism and destruction of property. This protest is a lawful exercise of our First Amendment right to peaceful assembly,” the movement states on its website.

What People Are Saying

Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a March 18 statement: “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences. We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes.”