Tesla owner sues for $1M after keyed car causes ‘emotional duress'
A Texas man whose Tesla was keyed in an airport parking lot is seeking $1 million for the damage done to his car and the 'emotional duress' he endured.
A plaintiff identified only as J.N. filed the seven-figure civil suit against Rafael Hernandez, whom he claims keyed his 2022 Tesla Model X outside Dallas Fort Worth International Airport earlier this month, reported CBS News.
The alleged act of vandalism is one of many incidents reported against Elon Musk's electric vehicles since the billionaire teamed up with the Trump administration to cut government services and spending.
Brooklyn vandals target Tesla, etching swastikas and 'Nazis' on door in apparent swipe at Elon Musk
Multiple Teslas vandalized with swastikas at California dealership
Musk's alliance with far-right wing movements and fascist-adjacent ideology has also caused protesters outside the U.S. to destroy Tesla products. But according to Texas attorney Majed Nachawati, his client's lawsuit isn't political.
'He enjoys driving it, plain and simple,' Nachawati said.
The lawsuit alleges that vandals who attack Teslas intend to inflict 'mental and emotional injury and harm' to Tesla owners like J.N., according to Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA. The plaintiff claims to have also lost wages.
An onboard camera attached to J.N.'s vehicle filmed the suspect damaging his car in Mid-March. Hernandez, 56, was arrested over the weekend after video of the incident went viral online.
During a recent White House event promoting Musk's products, Trump vowed that activists who damage Teslas would face the consequences.
'We're going to catch you and you're going to go through Hell,' the president said.
Many Tesla owners have reported selling their vehicles or disguising them as being from a different maker out of shame or fear.
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