Man strikes Tesla counter-protester with vehicle in Idaho, police say - WEIS | Local & Area News, Sports, & Weather

A 70-year-old man from Meridian, Idaho, has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly hitting a counter-protester with his vehicle outside a Tesla dealership during a protest. The incident occurred on a Saturday when an anti-Tesla rally, consisting of about 30 participants, clashed with a larger counter-protest of approximately 200 individuals.

Recently, Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, have come under increasing scrutiny, leading to protests and acts of vandalism at dealerships. The protests are part of a broader movement organized by an anti-Musk group, which has called for nationwide demonstrations, including at the Meridian location.

As the rally unfolded, Christopher Talbot reportedly made an obscene gesture at a 49-year-old man as he arrived at the scene in a truck displaying pro-Trump flags. Following this, Talbot allegedly struck the man with his car, causing non-life-threatening injuries. The injured individual managed to drive himself to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Law enforcement eventually located Talbot using his vehicle's license plate and arrested him at his home. He was later booked into Ada County Jail and faces a felony charge of aggravated battery.

In response to the incident, the Meridian Police Department emphasized the importance of respectful protest and the need to uphold First Amendment rights without resorting to violence.