Teslas are being targeted across our country, which has Tesla drivers on our Gulf Coast concerned.
“When you're starting to damage property and create intimidation, I think that's wrong. So, it is a little bit of a concern. I totally get and respect people's opinions on what they feel like is important, but at the same time, there's also a line that can get crossed,” said Eric Black.
Eric and Chriss Black said they’re even worried about leaving their Tesla parked in public.
“We’re concerned leaving it in the parking garages, at the airport, cruise port, anywhere where it's going to just be sitting for days. We're very concerned of intentional damage,” said Chriss.
Tesla driver Amanda Diaz said that while she understands why people are upset, there's no need for violence.
“I think it is wrong to destroy someone's car. You don't know how long they've had that car. You don't know if it's something that they need to get to and from work, if it's something that their family survives on,” said Diaz.
We’ve only seen peaceful protests here on Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast. One was last month at the Tesla dealership along Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.
“I think peaceful protest is definitely great. I think the whole lighting people's cars on fire, scratching them up with a knife, popping their tires. You're not affecting Elon Musk. You're affecting people and their daily lives,” said Diaz.
The Fort Myers Police Department said its goal is to stay on top of any potential threats.
“Department-wide and all locations within the city, officers are checking areas that may be a potential target. We have a Tesla dealership within the city, and of course, our South District officers are aware of that and monitoring that location and any charging stations within the city as well,” said Gloria Camacho, with FMPD.
Camacho said they've increased patrols to help keep the peace and are prepared to stop any violence.
“Any vandalism is, of course, criminal activity. So, we monitor for that as well. If we do observe any, criminal activity taking place, then that's when we have to step in, and put a stop to that,” said Camacho.
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