An anti-Elon Musk protest outside a Tesla store in New York over the weekend resulted in as many as nine arrests, with some protestors attempting to block customers from entering the location. Tesla’s Manhattan store was the focal point of the protests on Saturday, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering at the site.
Video footage from the scene shows protestors trying to prevent customers from entering the store, with one individual, Angelo Martinez, being stopped from attending his scheduled test drive of the new Model Y. Despite facing obstacles, Martinez eventually gained access to the store with the help of authorities and was able to complete his test drive, albeit later than planned.
The protests come in the wake of broader demonstrations targeting Tesla’s stores worldwide, sparked by Musk’s recent involvement with U.S. President Donald Trump’s government efficiency department. The re-branded agency has been responsible for significant cuts to federal agency workforces in recent weeks, leading to public outcry and protests.
In addition to the New York protest, demonstrations were reported at several other Tesla stores, including locations in San Francisco, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Sweden. The escalating tensions between protestors and supporters of Musk have led to confrontations and disruptions at various Tesla outlets.
Martinez shared his account of the events on social media, detailing the challenges he faced in gaining access to the Tesla store amidst the chaos of the protests. He expressed frustration with the protestors’ actions and described the tense atmosphere outside the store, with some individuals resorting to aggressive tactics to make their voices heard.
Despite the disruptions caused by the protests, Martinez was able to experience the new Model Y and praised the vehicle’s performance. He emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue and respectful engagement, condemning the aggressive behavior displayed by some protestors during the demonstration.
As tensions continue to simmer between Musk’s supporters and critics, the incident at the Tesla store in New York serves as a reminder of the growing divide over the entrepreneur’s political affiliations and business practices. The clash of ideologies has spilled over into public spaces, highlighting the need for constructive communication and mutual understanding to bridge the divide.