Tesla protests planned across Metro Vancouver as police investigate rise in vandalism [Video]

Vancouver police say they’re deploying more than 130 additional officers this weekend ahead of planned anti-Tesla protests and amid an ongoing spike in politically motivated vandalism targeting the electric carmaker.

On Saturday, protesters are expected to demonstrate outside Tesla dealerships around the world, including at four locations in Metro Vancouver.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says it’s buffing up its police presence to ensure the protests remain lawful. Since Jan. 20, it’s received 28 vandalism reports connected to Tesla, including spray-painted slurs, smashed windshields and rocks thrown at private vehicles — up from zero such reports in all of 2024.

“While everyone is entitled to express themselves lawfully and peacefully, nobody has the right to use violence, damage property, or intimidate others,” Const. Tania Visintin said in a statement Friday.