A Model 3 sustained damage to its wing mirror at the Belfast dealership. — dpa via PA Wire
LONDON: Around 20 vehicles have been damaged at a Tesla dealership in Belfast in what could be the latest in a number of acts of vandalism directed against the far-right politics of company owner Elon Musk.Most of the cars had their wing mirrors broken, while some had their windows smashed and others sustained bodywork dents. Police received a report on Sunday about the incident at the dealership in south Belfast.
"The damage is believed to have occurred at some point in the last 24 hours," a police statement on Monday morning said.
"Approximately 20 vehicles have been targeted. Most have had their wing mirrors knocked off, while others have also had windows smashed or received dents to the bodywork."
Officers have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.
Tesla sells the Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S in the UK.
The apparent vandalism comes amid rising protests against Tesla's chief executive, who has been vocally supportive of US President Donald Trump and far-right parties abroad.
Police in Berlin are investigating politically motivated arson after four Tesla cars burned out earlier in March.
Germany's Tesla drivers' association previously said some owners in Berlin are so worried about their cars being damaged by anti-Musk protestors that they have stopped parking them on the streets.
In the US, meanwhile, Tesla cars have also been vandalised and company dealerships have drawn protest since Musk began spearheading efforts under Trump to make massive cuts to the federal workforce and international aid in the US.
Reuters reported that US attorney-general Pam Bondi had described the vandalism as "domestic terrorism". She said the Department of Justice has already charged several offenders.
"The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism," Bondi said in a statement.
"We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes." — PA Media/Reuters
