5.45°C Vancouver

Mar 28, 2025 7:23 PM - The Canadian Press

Vancouver police deploying big presence to 'maintain order' at anti-Tesla protests

Share On
vancouver-police-deploying-big-presence-to-maintain-order-at-anti-tesla-protests
The VPD says there were no reports of incidents targeting Tesla dealerships or charging stations last year.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Vancouver police say they are investigating 28 anti-Tesla incidents and will deploy more than 130 extra officers to "maintain order" at protests targeting the electric carmaker this weekend.

The force says in a statement that the incidents targeting Tesla are suspected to be politically motivated and all have occurred since Jan. 20.

It says 19 incidents were at dealerships and charging stations, including "hateful words and symbols spray-painted on buildings, eggs thrown at cars, and windshields smashed."

A further nine apparently political incidents targeted private vehicles, including rocks and liquid being thrown at cars, and windshield wipers being damaged.

Vancouver police say the incidents are believed to be motivated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the U.S. government.

Spokeswoman Const. Tania Visintin says while everyone has a right to lawful and peaceful expression, "nobody has the right to use violence, damage property, or intimidate others."

“There are a number of protests planned this weekend against Tesla, and we’re deploying a heavy police presence to make sure these protests remain lawful," Visintin said in the news release.

The VPD says there were no reports of incidents targeting Tesla dealerships or charging stations last year.

The force says investigations into the 28 incidents are ongoing, and police don't know how many suspects are responsible.

“We understand many people are distressed by world events and are looking for ways to vent their frustration, but damaging private property is not the answer,” said Visintin. “We encourage people to express themselves peacefully, lawfully, and with respect for others. Anyone who breaks the law will face arrest and charges.”

Police say the extra officers being deployed this weekend will include members of the its public safety unit.

Tesla dealerships across Canada have been hit by a series of protests and vandalism as demonstrators object to Musk's role in the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump.

Organizers of the recent Vancouver International Auto Show banned Tesla over safety fears for guests and exhibitors.

Latest news

b-c-and-federal-government-announce-funding-to-support-victims-of-extortion-cases
BCNov 28, 2025

B.C. and Federal Government Announce Funding to Support Victims of Extortion Cases

B.C. Premier David Eby and the federal government have committed 500,000 dollars each to support people affected by a rising number of extortion cases in the province. The announcement followed a roundtable meeting in Surrey on Friday, where officials discussed ongoing threats that have targeted residents and business owners in several communities. The meeting brought together Premier Eby, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, along with senior law enforcement representatives. Participants reviewed current investigations and explored ways to improve
IndiaNov 28, 2025

Punjab announces December 14 vote for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections

Punjab has scheduled elections for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti bodies for December 14, introducing several procedural changes aimed at improving participation and oversight. The State Election Commission confirmed that ballots will be cast using paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines, marking a shift from recent local elections. Half of all seats will be reserved for women, a measure officials say is intended to strengthen representation and broaden community involvement in local governance. Vote counting is set for December 17. For the first time, each district will have a
conservation-officers-capture-two-more-grizzlies-as-investigation-continues-into-bella-coola-attack
BCNov 28, 2025

Conservation officers capture two more grizzlies as investigation continues into Bella Coola attack

Provincial conservation officers have captured two additional grizzly bears on British Columbia’s central coast as the search continues for the animal responsible for last week’s attack on a group of schoolchildren and their teachers near Bella Coola. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says the bears are being held for assessment while forensic evidence from the attack site undergoes analysis. The incident left three students and a teacher with serious injuries during a field trip involving about 20 participants. Authorities believe a grizzly sow and two cubs may have been involved, and
AlbertaNov 28, 2025

Alberta projects $6.4B deficit as lower oil prices strain provincial revenues

Alberta is now forecasting a $6.4-billion deficit for the current fiscal year as softer oil prices and ongoing trade uncertainty continue to weigh on the province’s finances. The updated number represents only a modest improvement from the $6.5-billion shortfall estimated in the summer fiscal outlook. The new projection marks a significant reversal from last year’s $8.3-billion surplus, underscoring how quickly Alberta’s resource-driven revenues can shift. According to the province, non-renewable resource income has fallen by roughly 30 per cent compared with last year, a decline driven
canada-posts-stronger-than-expected-economic-growth-in-third-quarter
CanadaNov 28, 2025

Canada posts stronger than expected economic growth in third quarter

Canada’s economy regained momentum over the summer months, with new federal data showing a 2.6 per cent annualized increase in real gross domestic product during the third quarter. Statistics Canada’s latest release indicates the rebound was considerably stronger than forecasts from the Bank of Canada and private sector economists, many of whom expected only modest growth. The agency reports that a sharp drop in imports combined with slightly higher exports helped strengthen the country’s trade position. Federal capital spending – including major procurement of new military equipment ?

Related News