Man drives into Tesla protesters in Florida, gets arrested
Share and Follow


Attacks on property carrying the logo of Elon Musk’s electric-car company are cropping up across the U.S. and overseas.

FLORIDA, USA — A man drove his car into protesters outside a Tesla dealership in Palm Beach County, Florida, but did not injure any of those who had gathered to demonstrate against billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump over the weekend, according to law enforcement.

The planned protest was one of a slew across the U.S. at businesses associated with Tesla, the company led by Musk, in response to the billionaire’s work with the Trump administration in cutting federal funding and the workforce.

Attacks on property carrying the logo of Elon Musk’s electric-car company are cropping up across the U.S. and overseas. Several more violent incidents include Cybertrucks being set on fire in Seattle and shots fired at a Tesla dealership in Oregon.

The protest on Saturday was interrupted when Andrew Dutil drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk full of protesters at a slow speed, forcing people to scramble out of the way to avoid the being hit, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Dutil was arrested and faces an assault charge, according to court records. An attorney who could speak on Dutil’s behalf wasn’t immediately listed in court records.

Palm Beach County is also home to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, which the president has called the “Center of the Universe” on social media. Trump and Musk — through the Department of Government Efficiency — have begun dismantling government agencies and programs and laying off staff in the name of culling government waste, fraud and abuse. 

Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Taking out the trash': Putnam County man sentenced to life in prison for armed burglary

Putnam County Man Faces Life Sentence for Armed Burglary: Justice Served in Landmark Case

In a decisive ruling following a brief two-day trial, a Putnam County…
Jury begins deliberations in Julio Foolio's murder trial after Alicia Andrews' defense in court

Breaking: Alicia Andrews Convicted of Manslaughter in High-Profile Julio Foolio Case

After more than two hours of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict…
Indiana judge shooting leaves ‘long list’ of potential suspects days into manhunt: defense attorney

Indiana Judge’s Shooting Sparks Extensive Suspect List as Manhunt Intensifies, Says Defense Attorney

An attorney specializing in criminal defense has indicated that Indiana law enforcement…
Former Iowa school superintendent arrested by ICE expected to plead guilty to federal charges

Ex-Des Moines Schools Superintendent Admits to False US Citizenship Claim and Firearms Violation

The ex-superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district admitted guilt on Thursday to…
'The Traitors' Season 4 Episode 6 Recap

Unraveling Mysteries: ‘The Traitors’ Season 4, Episode 6 Breakdown

In a surprising twist on The Traitors, contestants discovered that sometimes trust…
Boat captain accused of selling cocaine found at sea to undercover cops in sun-soaked tourist haven: police

Tourist Hotspot Bust: Boat Captain Allegedly Caught Selling Cocaine to Undercover Officers at Sea

A Florida charter boat captain has found himself in legal trouble after…
Ryan Reynolds TORCHED over 'cringe' email he sent to Colleen Hoover

Ryan Reynolds Criticized for Awkward Email Sent to Author Colleen Hoover

Ryan Reynolds recently found himself in the spotlight for an email he…
California carjacker Mohamed Husein steals Corvettes before deadly San Jose shootout

California Carjacking Spree: Mohamed Husein’s Corvette Thefts End in Fatal San Jose Shootout

An intense carjacking spree, involving stolen Corvettes and spanning several counties, concluded…