Man strikes Tesla counter-protester with vehicle in Idaho, police say

A 70-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly hitting a counter-protester with his vehicle during an anti-Tesla rally in Meridian, Idaho. The incident occurred outside a Tesla dealership on Saturday, which was hosting a protest attended by around 30 people against the company, while a larger counter-protest of about 200 people took place nearby, as noted by the Meridian Police Department.

Tesla and its dealerships have faced increased scrutiny and vandalism recently, largely due to the controversial stance taken by CEO Elon Musk in relation to political issues under President Donald Trump's administration. In response, an anti-Musk group organized a series of "Tesla Takedown" protests across the country, including the event in Meridian.

During the protest, as a 49-year-old man arrived in his truck displaying pro-Trump flags, Christopher Talbot reportedly made an obscene gesture and then struck him with his car. The counter-protester suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was able to drive himself to a hospital for treatment.

Using the license plate from Talbot's vehicle, police located and arrested him at his home. He was subsequently booked into Ada County Jail and charged with aggravated battery, a felony charge, as stated by the Ada County Sheriff's Office.

The Meridian Police Department emphasized the importance of respecting individuals' rights to protest peacefully and express their First Amendment rights, urging everyone involved to refrain from violence during such gatherings.