A man was arrested in San Jose after being caught on camera keying a Tesla in a Costco parking lot, marking the latest in a series of politically motivated attacks against Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company. The suspect, wearing a U.S.A. jacket, was filmed scratching the side of the Tesla before later denying involvement when confronted.
San Jose police announced the arrest Monday night, confirming that the suspect was charged with felony vandalism. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of hostility toward Tesla and its customers, particularly in left-leaning areas where Musk’s alignment with the Trump administration has fueled backlash.
The man that was caught on camera keying a Tesla at a Costco parking lot in San Jose last Friday, has been arrested for Felony Vandalism.
A FV conviction for damage in excess of $400. is a sentence of 16 months to 3 years in a State prison, “based on circumstances.” pic.twitter.com/4xFO8LlDN4— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) March 18, 2025
“This senseless crime and its subsequent consequences should serve as a clear reminder: no matter one’s personal beliefs or frustrations, they do not justify illegal actions,” said San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan also condemned the act, stating that disagreements over Musk’s policies do not justify property destruction. “Keying a car because you don’t like the person who designed it is like breaking a clock because you don’t like the time it shows,” he said on X.
The internet did its thing. The guy caught on camera keying a Tesla was found within a couple of days of the video being posted on X and confronted. He was wearing the same jacket. His license plate is documented for the cops to see. The insurance company has someone to send the… pic.twitter.com/xdT0JnuuqS
— Midnight (@Nocte_Insanire) March 18, 2025
Musk responded to the police department’s post about the arrest with an American flag emoji.
The vandalism follows a growing trend of Tesla-related attacks. Flyers have been posted around San Francisco urging owners to sell their vehicles, referring to them with slurs. In Seattle, four Cybertrucks were destroyed in a fire at a Tesla lot, while a dealership in Oregon was targeted in a shooting.
The suspect in the San Jose case has not been publicly identified, but authorities said he was taken into custody swiftly after social media helped identify him. Police have not confirmed if political motives were a factor, but the targeting of Tesla vehicles continues to raise concerns about politically driven crime.
