Demonstrators gather at Tesla showroom in Bristol to voice alarm over Musk’s influence on democracy, part of the global TeslaTakedown movement.
A peaceful protest took place outside the Tesla showroom at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol on Saturday, March 29, as demonstrators gathered to voice their concerns regarding Elon Musk and his influence on American democracy. Approximately 20 individuals were present, bearing banners with messages such as ‘Honk if you hate Elon’ and ‘Don’t buy a Swasticar.’ They distributed flyers to passers-by, elaborating on the reasons for their demonstration.
The protest was organised by a group called Americans For Action, which comprises American immigrants and other residents based in Bristol who have expressed alarm over what they describe as an ongoing coup in the United States. This event was part of the broader TeslaTakedown movement that aimed to highlight perceived injustices linked to the car manufacturer by encouraging people globally to sell their Teslas, divest from Tesla stock, and boycott Tesla charging stations.
Concerns about the financial performance of Tesla are evident, as reported stock values have been declining in recent months, which some protesters believe may be in response to such demonstrations.
One American protester, reflecting on their experiences since moving to Bristol during the Trump administration, stated: “This second time around is even more terrifying as he and Musk work to destroy the American government and our democracy. We have to stop them, and this protest is one way to do that.” They further argued that “Billionaires like Musk are attacking our democracy,” emphasising the need for active resistance to their actions.
Support for the protest extended beyond the immediate group, with local residents joining in and expressing solidarity. The steering committee of Bristol Stand Up to Racism articulated their backing, stating, “Elon Musk, with his Nazi salute and support for mass deportations from the US, as well as his onslaught on the civic right to protest and trans rights, has become an international champion of the far-right politics of hate and division.” They underscored the urgency of a collective response to combat racism and Islamophobia, particularly in events linked to the discourse in the UK.
The demonstration at Cribbs Causeway follows a pattern of coordinated protests against Musk and Tesla globally, indicating a significant level of discontent with the business magnate’s influence and actions. As the protest unfolded, it became clear that the sentiments expressed by the demonstrators reflected a broader political disquiet that resonates with many individuals both in the United States and abroad.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/teslatakedown – This URL supports the claim about the TeslaTakedown movement organizing a Global Day of Action against Elon Musk and Tesla, highlighting protests around the world on March 29.
- https://www.courts.michigan.gov/492eca/siteassets/publications/benchbooks/evidence/evidbb.pdf – Although not directly related to Tesla protests, this judicial document touches on legal aspects of evidence, which could be relevant in understanding the legal context of protests and demonstrations.
- https://organizingmythoughts.org/is-march-29-the-day-the-world-turns-on-tesla/ – This article details the background of the Tesla Takedown movement, including its motivation and growth, aligning with the described protests against Elon Musk.
- https://katiecouric.com/news/business/march-29-tesla-takedown-protests-boycott-musk/ – This article explains the reasons behind the Tesla Takedown protests, including Elon Musk’s leadership role and its impact on Tesla’s stock performance.
- https://www.justice.gov/archives/sco/file/1373816/dl?inline= – This report by the Special Counsel’s office provides context on past political dynamics and election interference, although it does not directly relate to the Tesla Takedown protests.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The protest occurred on Saturday, March 29, indicating the content is current. However, the lack of further details or updates since the event might limit its freshness in the long term.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quotes appear original, as there is no clear indication of prior use. However, without further research, it is difficult to confirm their earliest known reference.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Bristol Post, a reputable local news outlet in the UK. This suggests a high level of reliability regarding local events.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about protests against Elon Musk are plausible given recent events and global sentiment towards him. However, specific details such as stock performance or the number of protesters could require additional verification.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is generally plausible and originates from a reliable source. The content appears fresh and quotes seem original, contributing to a high confidence in the assessment.
