Man Who Allegedly Vandalized Tesla in Viral Video Quickly Pays a Big Price

The targeting of Tesla owners persists, but justice will be served.

On Tuesday, KTVU reported that a man, caught on camera vandalizing a Tesla in the parking lot of a Costco in San Jose, California, has been taken into custody.

The alleged perpetrator was recorded by Tesla’s sentry mode on Friday, approaching the car in his Hyundai SUV while wearing a leather, “USA” jacket.

He then walks alongside the Tesla before scraping it with a key, as seen in the footage. Social Media X user Breaking911 shared the video, along with a later confrontation between the man and another individual outside of a Chase Bank.

WARNING: The following video clip contains language the viewer may find offensive.

“Did you just key a Tesla the other day? You’re on video,” the second man questioned.

“I didn’t key no Tesla,” the first man responded, appearing nervous as he denied the accusation.

The conversation continued, with the alleged vandal repeatedly refuting what thousands of viewers had already seen in the viral video.

“They’ve got your license plate. I’m surprised you have been contacted by the police yet,” the other man stated.

“What do you have to say?” he asked, also mentioning Tesla owner and Department of Government Efficiency Chair Elon Musk.

The man, seemingly realizing the act had been caught on camera, was left speechless.

However, authorities had something to say about Friday’s incident — the San Jose Police Department. On Monday, they addressed the case in a post on X.

Police Chief Paul Joseph issued a statement, saying, “Within less than 24 hours of the viral vandalism incident being reported to the San Jose Police Department, we successfully identified, located, and arrested the individual responsible for this act of felony vandalism.”

“This senseless crime and its subsequent consequences should serve as a clear reminder: no matter one’s personal beliefs or frustrations, they do not justify illegal actions. I urge everyone to respect one another and, above all, to respect the law,” Joseph continued.

The motivation behind targeting Tesla owners remains uncertain.

Those involved — likely left-leaning given their decision to purchase an electric vehicle — have already made the investment. How does this impact Musk?

Moreover, the source of this hostility is unclear.

DOGE is working to prevent the federal government from squandering billions on unnecessary projects and excessive bureaucratic salaries.

This doesn’t seem to be particularly controversial. Yet, once again, the left has found a new way to express their outrage.