A few days back, the electric vehicle world was left in utter disbelief. The reason? An entire fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks, seemingly primed for customer deliveries, had been vandalized in a Fort Lauderdale parking lot. The shocking part? The graffiti wasn't just any graffiti, but a bold, vulgar statement: 'F**k Elon.' Fortunately, recent updates indicate that the Cybertrucks have been scrubbed clean, leaving no trace of the vandals’ harsh message.
Polarizing Piece of Tech
Let’s face it: the Tesla Cybertruck has always been a divisive topic. From its radical design to its futuristic features, it’s a vehicle that seems to generate intense feelings—both positive and negative. While Cybertruck vandalism incidents are rare, this particular act struck a chord with many owners and enthusiasts. Remember, damaging property is never an acceptable way to voice one’s opinions.
— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) June 22, 2024
Aftermath and Reactions
Photos and videos shared online after the incident displayed clear images of the vandalism. Messages decrying Elon Musk were plastered over the hoods and side panels of the parked Cybertrucks. While EV aficionados lamented the attack, some criticized Tesla for not securing such valuable assets better.
Cybertrucks, Good as New
In the modern age of social media, updates quickly went viral. TikTok user @thou_sand provided a very welcome update: the Cybertruck fleet looked spotless again. It seems the stainless steel exteriors didn’t hold up well to the graffiti paint, making clean-up easier than anticipated. Each Cybertruck in that lot appeared ready for prompt delivery to expectant customers.
@thou_sand Are you a fan or is the Tesla Cyber Truck a hard no? Spotted this parking lot full of the Tesla Cyber Trucks in Fort Lauderdale.
♬ Jericho RG REMIX – Robert Grace
Still a Security Lapse?
Interestingly, the same TikTok video update revealed an unresolved issue: no security personnel were present at the lot to prevent any future acts of vandalism. This has drawn criticism from the Tesla community, who argue that the minimal cost of additional security is well worth avoiding potential inconveniences or delays for customers.
Why the Hate?
It’s evident that the vandals were driven by more than just an eye for the unconventional aesthetics of the Cybertruck. Animosity towards Elon Musk has erupted frequently in recent years, perhaps most notably through a viral Tweet by former CA Assemblywoman Lorena S. Gonzales in May 2020, where she said, 'F**k Elon Musk.' These sentiments resonate with a specific faction of Musk's critics. Issues like skyrocketing housing costs have only fueled the flames, prompting Tesla to relocate its headquarters from California to Texas.
While the situation has now returned to normal, it does shed light on the need for better security measures and the ongoing polarizing effect Elon Musk—and by extension Tesla—continues to have on the public.
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Tesla Cybertruck fleet vandalized with 'F**k Elon' graffiti cleaned off
