Overview

• Chadd Ritenbaugh, 55, was charged with criminal mischief, harassment, and disorderly conduct for allegedly carving a swastika into a Tesla outside a Planet Fitness in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
• Tesla's 'sentry mode' surveillance system captured footage of the vandalism, which was later used to identify Ritenbaugh through his Planet Fitness membership card and gym surveillance footage.
• Ritenbaugh admitted to the Tesla owner that he vandalized the car, stating he had 'something against Elon Musk,' though he claimed to have used a crayon rather than a key and described his actions as 'misguided.'
• This incident is part of a broader pattern of politically motivated attacks on Tesla vehicles and facilities, reportedly spurred by Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration.
• The FBI is investigating over 80 similar incidents nationwide, while concerns grow over potential unrest linked to the upcoming 'Global Day of Action' organized by the Tesla Takedown movement.