Latest news with #Takedown
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Convoy of Gas Guzzling Trucks Imposes Blockade on Tesla Dealership
What happens when you combine an electric vehicle oligarch with coal rolling trucks, the Proud Boys, and a nation that confuses commerce with patriotism? A mind-boggling car dealership blockade, for starters. With Tesla Takedown protests entering their third consecutive month, a picket line near the Rocklin, California Tesla dealership isn't exactly an uncommon sight. The Northern California Tesla store had been picketed a handful of times before, mostly by peaceful protestors expressing their anger with the Trump administration and its DOGE appointee, Elon Musk. But this week's protest came with a kicker: a line of lifted — and decidedly gas-powered — trucks blocking the lane leading to the dealership. A video uploaded to X-formerly-Twitter by user "American AF" shows a convoy of over 20 non-electric trucks and SUVs — many sporting MAGA and American flags — lined up to block the showroom. Some counter-protestors erected awnings and chairs along the road, waving flags and munching on snacks. Even the Proud Boys, an occasionally violent neo-fascist group, were in attendance, according to Electrek. "MAGA patriots DEFEND a Tesla dealership from liberal terrorlsts [sic]," the semi-viral post reads. If their goal was to support Tesla — and by extension Musk — it's unclear how blockading the EV store with gas-guzzling pickup trucks accomplishes that. Tesla's sales are in the ditch these days, a detail apparently lost on the guys blocking customers from entering the dealership. "What an inviting retail experience," quipped one user, continuing that "it's telling that none of the trumps [sic] drive a tesla." Regardless, the patriots remained in their lane, maintaining control. "How all the little libs stay away when the big boys come out to play!" cheered user "@justusecomsense." "Tulsa Rocks!" saluted another. The Takedown protest, meanwhile, looked relatively calm, with picketers holding signs on the opposite side of the road, undeterred by the drama. As a whole, the Tesla Takedown protests have been overwhelmingly tame, often heavily attended by older liberals. The movement's campaign page on the platform Action Network goes out of its way to call itself a "peaceful protest movement," which opposes "violence, vandalism, and destruction of property." Though vandalism and arson have erupted around the world in retaliation to Elon Musk's role in the US government, organizers of Tesla Takedown have gone out of their way to distance themselves from the destruction. That might not stop Musk, Tesla, and the government from placing Takedown protestors under surveillance, however, as the FBI's Tesla Task Force busts down doors across the nation to crack down on property damage. Here's a thought: if the flag-wavers are so worried about Tesla that they'd take time off of work to defend a parking lot, maybe they could put a little skin in the game and trade their 4x4s for one of Musk's EVs. After all, it's the patriotic thing to do. More on Tesla: Tesla's Head of Software Departs as Robotaxi Reveal Looms
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Convoy of Gas Guzzling Trucks Imposes Blockade on Tesla Dealership
What happens when you combine an electric vehicle oligarch with coal rolling trucks, the Proud Boys, and a nation that confuses commerce with patriotism? A mind-boggling car dealership blockade, for starters. With Tesla Takedown protests entering their third consecutive month, a picket line near the Rocklin, California Tesla dealership isn't exactly an uncommon sight. The Northern California Tesla store had been picketed a handful of times before, mostly by peaceful protestors expressing their anger with the Trump administration and its DOGE appointee, Elon Musk. But this week's protest came with a kicker: a line of lifted — and decidedly gas-powered — trucks blocking the lane leading to the dealership. A video uploaded to X-formerly-Twitter by user "American AF" shows a convoy of over 20 non-electric trucks and SUVs — many sporting MAGA and American flags — lined up to block the showroom. Some counter-protestors erected awnings and chairs along the road, waving flags and munching on snacks. Even the Proud Boys, an occasionally violent neo-fascist group, were in attendance, according to Electrek. "MAGA patriots DEFEND a Tesla dealership from liberal terrorlsts [sic]," the semi-viral post reads. If their goal was to support Tesla — and by extension Musk — it's unclear how blockading the EV store with gas-guzzling pickup trucks accomplishes that. Tesla's sales are in the ditch these days, a detail apparently lost on the guys blocking customers from entering the dealership. "What an inviting retail experience," quipped one user, continuing that "it's telling that none of the trumps [sic] drive a tesla." Regardless, the patriots remained in their lane, maintaining control. "How all the little libs stay away when the big boys come out to play!" cheered user "@justusecomsense." "Tulsa Rocks!" saluted another. The Takedown protest, meanwhile, looked relatively calm, with picketers holding signs on the opposite side of the road, undeterred by the drama. As a whole, the Tesla Takedown protests have been overwhelmingly tame, often heavily attended by older liberals. The movement's campaign page on the platform Action Network goes out of its way to call itself a "peaceful protest movement," which opposes "violence, vandalism, and destruction of property." Though vandalism and arson have erupted around the world in retaliation to Elon Musk's role in the US government, organizers of Tesla Takedown have gone out of their way to distance themselves from the destruction. That might not stop Musk, Tesla, and the government from placing Takedown protestors under surveillance, however, as the FBI's Tesla Task Force busts down doors across the nation to crack down on property damage. Here's a thought: if the flag-wavers are so worried about Tesla that they'd take time off of work to defend a parking lot, maybe they could put a little skin in the game and trade their 4x4s for one of Musk's EVs. After all, it's the patriotic thing to do. More on Tesla: Tesla's Head of Software Departs as Robotaxi Reveal Looms
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
'The Tesla Takedown': Tesla Q1 Deliveries Down 13%, As Protests Signal Growing Discontent
Tesla has just released its Q1 2025 production and delivery numbers. The electric vehicle (EV) automaker confirmed delivery of 336,681 EVs during the first three months of the year—far below expectations, and approximately 50,000 less than their Q1 deliveries of 386,810 EVs. While some of this was expected, it wasn't helped by recent unrest over the brand and the CEO. This past weekend, the streets of San Francisco and other cities across the nation (it's estimated that it topped 200) were alive with chants and banners, as protesters gathered for the 'Tesla Takedown,' a national day of action targeting Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his role in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). What began as localized demonstrations outside Tesla showrooms has now evolved into a broader movement, uniting activists from diverse backgrounds in opposition to Musk's policies and his influence on the administration's sweeping cuts to government agencies, including the Veterans Administration (VA). These cuts have sparked outrage among veterans and their advocates, many of whom joined the protests to voice their concerns. The movement's organizers have made it clear that their goal is to hit Musk where it hurts most—his pocketbook. The Tesla Takedown movement is emblematic of a growing trend in activism: targeting corporations and their leaders as a means of influencing political decisions. By urging consumers to boycott Tesla, organizers hope to pressure Musk to reconsider his policies and their impact on vulnerable populations. The protests also highlight how consumer behavior can be leveraged to drive change. While Tesla has yet to release a statement addressing the protests, the company's decision to increase security at its dealerships and remove cars from showrooms suggests that it is taking the movement seriously. The 'Takedown' also seems to be affecting Tesla's stock price. Company shares (NAS:TSLA) are approximately 45% off their record high of 488.54, reached on December 18, with more than $500 billion being wiped off the company's value. The stock rebounded 3.6% on April 1 but is still stuck below the 200-day line. Despite the charged emotions fueling the Tesla Takedown, the peaceful nature of the protests underscores the movement's focus on constructive action rather than confrontation. With this strategy, the movement has managed to amplify its message without alienating potential allies or escalating tensions. This approach reflects a broader trend in modern activism, where peaceful demonstrations are increasingly seen as a more effective means of achieving long-term goals. Beyond the Takedown, other protests to date have not been so peaceful. Consumer and activist vandalism, such as spray-painting Tesla vehicles and using incendiary devices to set fire to showrooms and cars, has been happening since the inauguration on January 20, 2025. Those activists have vowed to continue their demonstrations, signaling that this movement has staying power. For Musk and Tesla, the challenge will be navigating the pressures of these critics seeking to tarnish Tesla's reputation. According to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll, over two-thirds of Americans now say they wouldn't consider buying or leasing a Tesla. That is a much different tune for the once beloved EV automaker. For the corporate world, the Tesla Takedown serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of intertwining business leadership with political agendas. The protests highlight the growing expectation that corporate leaders must be accountable not only to shareholders but also to the broader public, whose lives are impacted by their decisions. It also highlights that actively engaging in government in a polarized society makes you a lightning rod for criticism—on both the business side and the political side—serving as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of business, politics, and social responsibility. In an era of heightened activism and consumer awareness, the line between corporate actions and public accountability is increasingly becoming blurred. And for companies of all sizes and the leaders who are tasked to drive growth, the message is clear: values matter. The public isn't just watching—they're participating with their voices, their wallets and their influence.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Takedown peaceful protest takes place in Glasgow in global day of action
A TESLA Takedown protest took place in Glasgow today as part of a global day of action. Activists gathered outside Glasgow's Tesla Centre on Kennedy Street today (March 29) as part of a peaceful demonstration against Tesla CEO Elon Musk. They held signs with statements such as "honk if you hate Elon" and "Tesla funds fascism". READ NEXT: Number of rapes and domestic abuse crimes in Glasgow sees 'shocking' rise (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations that began shortly after Donald Trump was inaugurated. The goal of the demonstrations is to send a message to the Trump administration that they are against what Musk is doing with the US federal government, including laying off thousands of workers and cutting department budgets in his role as a senior advisor to the President. The Tesla Takedown encourages Tesla owners to sell their cars and dump any stock they own in an effort to tank the company's stock price. READ NEXT: 'We don't want another Sauchiehall Street': Disappointment over George Square delay (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) They say "stopping Musk will help save lives and protect our democracy". The movement opposes violence, vandalism and destruction of property. Similar protests are expected to take place at more than 200 Tesla locations worldwide today, including other cities in the UK such as Edinburgh and London.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Takedown: American Aryans' on MAX, A Docuseries About Fighting A White Supremacist Gang And Finding Justice For Its Victims
The four-episode MAX docuseries The Takedown: American Aryans recounts a 2008 investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives into an organized criminal group known as the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. Operating inside and outside of state and federal prisons in Texas, and driven by their violent white supremacist ideology, the ABT were well-known to authorities for their long list of crimes. But it was the torture and murder of a woman in suburban Dallas – 'slaughtering innocent people at will,' a federal agent says in The Takedown – that brought the six-year investigation to bear. Opening Shot: 'Little did I know, when I was assigned to Houston, Texas,' says retired ATF agent Rich Boehning, 'that I would be targeting one of the most violent extremist groups in the country.' The Gist: 'She was a naive 19-year-old, and didn't see that the people she was around could be evil.' For the family of Brianna Taylor, their concern over her use of methamphetamines turned to dismay in 2006, when she stopped returning their phone calls. Taylor had been dating a man named Jason Hankins, who as an Aryan Brotherhood of Texas 'general' coordinated the group's drug-selling and gun-running activities. But as authorities circled the ABT for a series of crimes, they discovered another shocking truth: Hankins' associate, Dale 'Tiger' Jameton, had murdered Brianna over the unfounded suspicion that she was a snitch to the cops. In The Takedown: American Aryans, Rich Boehning describes how the ATF's investigation unfolded, and how it involved numerous other agencies as well as infiltration of the ABT at significant risk to life and limb. Whether inside a prison or out on the streets, these guys were indiscriminate killers, to the point that Boehning describes their torture and murder of someone just to steal his pickup truck. As is usual for true crime stuff, The Takedown often relies on reenactments for its visuals. But it also has access to police interrogation tapes, footage from inside the prison system, the account of a former ABT 'captain,' and a collection of still photos from inside the brotherhood, where tatted-up men strike menacing poses with weapons in front of flags emblazoned with Nazi imagery. The access goes even further. Armed with a series of lingering questions about the senseless murder from Brianna Taylor's sister Kate, investigative journalist Caroyln Canville interviews Dale Jameton inside the Texas prison where he is serving a life sentence. Why did he feel the need to abduct and hurt Brianna, to kill her and dump her body in a Dallas lake? (Taylor's body has never been recovered.) But while Jameton admits he did it, his allegiance to the brotherhood is unshakeable. Takedown makes it clear that there is no credence to the ABT's suspicion that Brianna was working with law enforcement. But incredibly, Jameton, completely unmoved by the questions from her family, still says she had it coming. What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Once it gets into its jailhouse interview sessions with Dale Jameton, The Takedown begins to feel like a mirror on the Netflix series I Am A Killer. Takedown director/producer Neil Rawles has also helmed numerous episodes of Locked Up Abroad, and in the Apple TV+ docuseries Cowboy Cartel, a Texas-based FBI agent leads an investigation into a Mexican criminal organization's infiltration of the American quarter horse industry. Our Take: The crimes and investigations detailed in The Takedown: American Aryans are by now years-old. But they still resonate, especially as white supremacist beliefs and apparent Sieg Heil salutes are now part of the daily news cycle. And while the juggernaut of true crime content doesn't seem like it will ever stop populating the world of streaming, and which creates an open window for a docuseries about violent Nazi-worshipping gangs, for Brianna Taylor's family, it's the resonance of her murder that provides The Takedown with its most effective emotional peg. Documentary-style material like this series can also benefit from a strong personality at its center, and The Takedown has one in former ATF agent Rich Boehning, whose Queens New York accent and deeply-felt descriptions of how crucial the case against the ABT became – 'I realized the Brianna Taylor murder was just the tip of the iceberg' – lend it a strident sense of urgency Sex and Skin: None, but be aware that in addition to its lead disclaimer about the mayhem and racism of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, The Takedown also describes incidents of torture and sexual violence toward women. Parting Shot: We're back with Rich Boehning, who says his investigation of the supremacist gang took another significant turn when it hit even closer to home. 'I discovered one of the ABT generals was living in my neighborhood…' Sleeper Star: Interviews with Michael Bianculli, aka 'Crash,' who describes himself as a former captain in the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, provide firsthand insight into the group's command structure. The rigid hierarchy Bianculli describes supports Rich Boehning's statement about the ATF's investigation of the ABT: 'They were built like an army, so we had to build our own army.' Most Pilot-y Line: 'Tiger treated her with the kind of violence that you can't imagine,' journalist Carolyn Canville says in The Takedown. 'Violence that you can't imagine any human being could feel against another human being, no matter what.' Our Call: STREAM IT. True crime fans should have a lot to chew on with The Takedown: American Aryans, as the docuseries details not only the broad federal response to the violence perpetrated by a criminal group of white supremacists, but the emotions felt by the loved ones their victims left behind. Johnny Loftus (@ is a Chicago-based writer. A veteran of the alternative weekly trenches, his work has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, The All Music Guide, and The Village Voice.
