Over 80 Teslas damaged in Hamilton as tensions with Musk grow

Tensions between Tesla and Canadian citizens have resulted in multiple incidents of vandalism and public protest, according to police reports and local authorities.

In Hamilton, Ontario, more than 80 Tesla vehicles had their tires punctured and body panels scratched while parked at a storage lot. The Hamilton Police Service is investigating the damage, which they attribute to deliberate acts of vandalism. Similar incidents have occurred at Tesla properties in the United States.

Hamilton, located west of Toronto, is a major center for Canada’s steel production and is closely tied to ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the United States. The U.S. administration under President Trump has placed tariffs on Canadian steel and other products, prompting reciprocal levies by Canada on $20.5 billion worth of U.S. exports.

The political friction has sparked a broader grassroots movement in Canada. Citizens are changing shopping habits, travel preferences, and overall attitudes toward the United States. Prominent figures like hockey player Wayne Gretzky have faced criticism for not speaking out against U.S. policies.

Provincial governments in Canada have also enacted measures in response, including the removal of U.S. alcoholic beverages from stores and restricting access to government procurement contracts for American firms.

Some of the protests have focused specifically on Elon Musk, whose businesses have government ties and play a role in U.S. federal operations. A recent incident in Montreal involved two members of the group Last Generation Canada, who sprayed pink paint on the exterior of a Tesla dealership. The group accused Musk of promoting climate denial and undermining democratic institutions. Both individuals were arrested.

Due to these developments, organizers of a recent Vancouver auto show opted to exclude Tesla from participation, citing the need to maintain a focused and undisturbed event.

Other Tesla locations, including those in Ottawa, have seen demonstrations by citizens holding signs and protesting outside stores.

Additionally, Ontario canceled a C$100 million contract with Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. A separate online petition calling for the revocation of Musk’s Canadian citizenship and passport has garnered over 376,000 signatures.