Vancouver police have deployed more than 130 additional officers across the city this weekend, March 29-30, 2025, to manage a series of far-left protests targeting Tesla properties, following a sharp rise in vandalism linked to the electric car manufacturer. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed the increased presence in response to planned “Tesla Takedown” demonstrations against Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The VPD reported that since January 20, 2025, they have documented 28 incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles, a significant increase from zero such incidents throughout all of 2024. These acts include spray-painted slurs, smashed windshields, and rocks thrown at private Tesla cars. Constable Tania Visintin, a VPD spokesperson, stated on Friday, March 28, that the surge in crimes appears politically motivated, likely tied to Musk’s affiliation with the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
Saturday’s protests saw dozens of demonstrators gather outside Tesla showrooms in Vancouver’s Fairview and East Vancouver neighbourhoods, as well as in Surrey, waving Canadian flags and holding banners denouncing Musk. The VPD had anticipated these events, noting they were among over a dozen demonstrations and special events expected to draw large crowds across the city this weekend. While the protests remained largely peaceful, the heavy police presence—bolstered by members of the specially trained Public Safety Unit—was intended to ensure public safety and prevent further property damage.
Visintin emphasized the VPD’s stance: “While everyone is entitled to express themselves lawfully and peacefully, nobody has the right to use violence, damage property, or intimidate others.” She added that anyone breaking the law would face arrest and charges, though no arrests were reported from the Saturday demonstrations by Sunday evening, March 30.
The “Tesla Takedown” movement, which has gained traction globally, aims to pressure Musk over his political influence, particularly his role in the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency and his close ties to Trump. In Metro Vancouver, the protests coincide with heightened tensions, including Tesla’s exclusion from British Columbia’s electric vehicle rebate programs and its removal from the Vancouver International Auto Show earlier this month due to safety concerns.
As of March 30, 2025, the situation remains fluid, with police continuing to monitor Tesla-related incidents and protests. The VPD has not released updated figures on vandalism or arrests from the weekend, but the deployment of additional officers underscores the scale of the response to this ongoing issue.
