Tesla owners more vigilant after recent vandalism cases in DC

Kim Harris and her daughter were thrilled about their recent Tesla purchases, enjoying the benefits of electric vehicles long before any political controversy surrounding CEO Elon Musk arose. Harris expressed her pride in supporting innovative engineering and was initially excited by the new car smell and gas savings. However, the political dynamics have left her feeling apprehensive, as she worries about potential vandalism to their vehicles.

Currently, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a series of vandalism cases involving Teslas, which they classify as acts of “political hate speech.” Although Harris and her daughter have not experienced any incidents, they remain vigilant, with Harris commenting on the overall sad nature of the situation.

MPD has identified two suspects related to these incidents, and the legal repercussions for hate crimes are serious. Under D.C. law, vandalism classified as a hate crime could result in fines and imprisonment that exceed the standard penalties for defacing property, highlighting the gravity of the issue.

In contrast to the incidents in D.C., several surrounding jurisdictions reported no similar cases of politically motivated vandalism against Teslas. However, in Arlington County, two incidents have been recorded, and the Fairfax County Police Department has investigated one case so far this year.

To bolster security, Tesla owners can activate the "Sentry Mode," which utilizes cameras to record any activity around the vehicle. Harris has considered purchasing a sticker that reads, "I bought this before Elon went crazy," as a personal statement amidst the controversy. This reflects her desire to express her support for the car while navigating the challenging political landscape.