A man smashed up an electric car with a pole in an apparent bizarre protest against Elon Musk.
Onlookers filmed the man, described as being in his 40s, taking a “big pole” to the $44,950 Polestar car.
Before the attack in central Bristol, he was seen holding a homemade sign which said he was protesting against Musk, and his electric car company, Tesla, on Monday (24).
Bizarrely, Polestar is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group and Geely, a Chinese multinational company – a rival to Tesla not associated with Musk.
Avon and Somerset Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, arson and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place but has since been released under investigation.
A local resident, who called police, said he heard a disturbance outside and initially thought it was fireworks.
A video shows a man beating a window with a long white pole and a handmade sign is placed in front of the car. The man is then seen getting arrested once police arrive.
The sign, which is written…. said: “Eleon Musk you have to pay for all that demolition and seven a trillion dollars for foundation wielka orkiestra świątecznej pomocy.
“We don’t wonted nazis hejt [hate] and symbols!
“You have to change name and symbol Tesla for “Renew Europ 2025”
“Dis is a red cross symbol, all the NATO know that and all the word!”
Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy (WOSP) is a Polish charity, also known as The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, which collects funds for pediatric and elderly care.
The onlooker added: “He wasn’t trying to run away — I thought, it must be some kind of protest,” the onlooker said.
“I was shocked. When you’re trying to go to sleep on a Monday evening, the last thing you expect to hear is a guy smashing up a car.”
Police are appealing for witnesses.
