On March 31, 2025, the Tesla center in Berlin-Reinickendorf became the target of a paint attack. Activists from the group New Generation – formerly Last Generation – sprayed blue paint on the entrance and facade of the business. The action, which is interpreted as a clear allusion to Elon Musk's allegedly fascist political stance and his support for the AfD, has already led to two arrests. Two women aged 28 and 44 were temporarily detained, as the police reported on X.
Background of the Paint Attack
The New Generation group expressed themselves via Instagram and stated that the paint attack was carried out in response to the destructive political influence of Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the USA. "The choice of color is an allusion to Elon Musk's fascist attitude and his campaign assistance for the AfD," the statement said. The police have initiated a criminal investigation for property damage and state security is investigating.
Further Actions and Political Context
The current paint attack is part of a series of protest actions against Tesla in Germany. Already on March 1, 2025, there was a paint attack on the exhibition rooms of Tesla in the Berlin Mall shopping center in Berlin-Mitte. In addition, activists of the New Generation demonstrated in Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg, and Duisburg as part of the so-called Tesla Takedown action.
Also in Munich, climate activists were charged last week with forming a criminal organization. In the USA, attacks on Tesla facilities are now pursued as domestic terrorism. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi warned on March 27, 2025, that participants in such actions must expect serious legal consequences.
Conclusion and Outlook
The paint attack on the Tesla center in Berlin-Reinickendorf shows how polarized the public debate about Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk is currently being conducted. While some see the protest actions as a necessary warning against political influence, others warn of an escalation that could be pursued as domestic terrorism. It remains to be seen how the investigations and further actions will develop – one thing is certain: The conflict over Tesla divides opinions and continues to provoke heated discussions in the public.