Latest news with #J.N.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man whose Tesla was keyed at DFW Airport files $1 million lawsuit after suspect arrested
The North Texas man whose Tesla was vandalized as it sat in a DFW Airport parking garage this month is suing the suspected vandal for over $1 million, according to the lawsuit. The owner of the Tesla Model X, who is identified by the initials J.N. in the lawsuit, alleges that the March 13 incident in which his car was keyed and deeply scratched was targeted and caused him 'emotional distress and anguish.' The lawsuit cites what it calls a 'Tesla Takedown' movement that has grown in response to founder Elon Musk's political views. 'Certain activists are urging consumers to divest from Tesla products and are organizing protests and other activities that are ... urging physical damage and/or violence against Tesla owners and/or their Tesla vehicles,' the suit states. Video of the vandalism at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, captured by the built-in cameras on the plaintiff's Tesla, went viral earlier this month after Donald Trump Jr. reposted a screenshot from the footage on his X account. The publicity generated by Trump's post has made the Tesla owner a victim of 'continued harassment and intimidation,' according to his lawsuit. 🚨 More top stories from our newsroom: → FWISD to redirect $22.7M toward reading, which means job cuts → Lawyer accused of making death threats against commissioner → Popular sushi restaurant to open in Fort Worth near zoo [Get our breaking news alerts.] The man seen in the video was arrested by DFW Airport police and is identified in the lawsuit and a criminal complaint filed by the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office as 56-year-old Rafael Hernandez, of Frisco. Hernandez is charged with criminal mischief at a value greater than $2,500 but less than $30,000, according to the complaint filed in court. Hernandez was arrested on March 22 and released on bond, according to jail records. A defense attorney representing him is not yet listed in court records.
