Tesla owners more vigilant after recent vandalism cases in DC

In Washington, Kim Harris and her daughter were thrilled about purchasing their Teslas, enjoying not only the new car experience but also the benefits of electric vehicles. They made their purchases prior to the political controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration and have since become concerned about potential vandalism linked to these tensions.

Recent investigations by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) revealed five cases of vandalism on Teslas, which they are categorizing as acts of "political hate speech." Although Harris and her daughter have yet to experience any vandalism, they are now more cautious in their surroundings. Harris expressed her disappointment over the situation, noting the sad reality of needing to be vigilant.

MPD has identified a male and female suspect in connection with the vandalism cases. Under D.C. law, vandalism that is classified as a hate or bias-related crime can result in increased penalties, meaning offenders could face fines and prison time up to 1.5 times greater than standard penalties for similar offenses.

While some neighboring jurisdictions reported no incidents of politically-motivated vandalism against Teslas, Arlington County Police observed a couple of related incidents. The Fairfax County Police Department noted one case of Tesla vandalism earlier this year, highlighting the ongoing concern surrounding such acts.

As a precaution, Tesla owners can utilize the "Sentry Mode" feature that activates cameras when someone approaches their vehicle. This functionality might help in investigations, offering a layer of security. Meanwhile, some owners are opting for bumper stickers expressing their sentiments about the political landscape, with Harris indicating she might purchase one that reads, "I bought this before Elon went crazy."