A distinctive orange Cybertruck, bearing the license plate DUMPST5R and hailing from Texas, participated in the Krewe of Orpheus parade in New Orleans on Monday evening, marking the commencement of Mardi Gras celebrations. However, its involvement was cut short as it exited the parade route prematurely due to the sheer volume of beads and debris thrown at the vehicle, which resulted in damage to the glass.

The orange Cybertruck, DUMPST5R, is owned by winespring, a blogger who focuses on the culinary aspects of the Wheel of Time fantasy series, and MrMoonBound, whose X account links to a website providing a comprehensive walkthrough of the 1994 SNES game Earthbound. winespring livestreamed the Cybertruck’s tumultuous journey through the parade on X, capturing the harrowing experience in a video exceeding three hours. The couple’s entry into the parade route occurs approximately an hour into the video, and it doesn’t take long for the crowd’s disapproval, manifested through boos, jeers, and a barrage of beads, to become apparent.

From within the Cybertruck, the relentless pounding of beads against the vehicle creates a constant, unsettling din. winespring and MrMoonBound attempt to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere through jokes and conversation, but an undercurrent of tension is palpable. Multiple Cybertrucks participated in the Orpheus parade, and none escaped unscathed. A person within winespring’s truck remarks, around 2 hours and 10 minutes into the video, “They’re discussing the possibility of removing all the trucks for everyone’s safety and the vehicles’ protection… as soon as I receive the signal, I’ll locate the nearest police officer and we’ll exit.” The sound of this plan is barely audible over the cacophony of beads striking the car.

Approximately 40 minutes later, at 2:50 in the video, the Cybertruck attempts to exit the route and signals to nearby police officers. Despite their efforts to depart, beads continue to pummel the vehicle as they interact with the authorities. “We’ve contacted state police; is it possible to relocate that barricade?” a person in the truck inquires. The officers appear perplexed, and the barrage of beads persists. “We need to leave the route; we’re being bombarded with objects, people are jumping on the car, kicking it, and striking it,” the person in the Tesla emphasizes.

The police ultimately facilitate their departure, and as they pull away, audible boos and the impact of a larger object against the windshield are evident. winespring’s voice is laced with sadness as she reflects, “We were thrilled to participate in this event because we love New Orleans.” A few minutes later, at 2:58, winespring attempts to reassure the tense passengers as beads continue to assail the Cybertruck, “We’ve witnessed John from Silicon Valley Tesla owners step on his windshield; we’ve seen a bomb detonate inside one; we’re okay.” A man interjects, “I’m about to invoke the medical emergency card; we must leave.” Another man cautions, “I fear the glass will eventually start shattering… if it hasn’t already.”

Upon concluding the video, the group pulls over beneath a streetlamp to assess the damage. The Cybertruck is covered in beads, with the trunk filled to capacity. Although the orange wrap appears undamaged in the nighttime darkness, the glass windows have suffered damage: “It seems we might have some broken glass… broken glass, that’s unfortunate,” winespring observes as the camera pans over a divot in the rear windshield. “Hopefully, everyone else is unharmed… well, that was the Orpheus parade.”

Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, are inextricably linked in the public consciousness. As Musk’s criticism of the federal government intensifies, individuals worldwide are directing their frustration toward Tesla. The company’s sales have declined across Europe, with a Tesla showroom in France being set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of 12 vehicles and an estimated $700,000 in damages. Similar incidents have occurred in the United States, including the torching of a Tesla charging station in Littleton, Massachusetts, and the shooting of a Tesla dealership in Oregon.

In Loveland, Colorado, the local Tesla dealership has faced repeated vandalism, with a molotov cocktail being thrown at a Cybertruck and the word “Nazi” spray-painted on a Tesla sign. Police have arrested a woman in connection with these incidents. The anti-Musk sentiment has also led to peaceful protests, with individuals marching through Tesla showrooms to express their discontent. As Musk’s criticism of the government continues to escalate, it appears that the backlash against his company and its products will only intensify.

The correlation between Musk’s actions and the increasing attacks on Tesla is evident. As his critique of the government grows more vocal, the public’s perception of the company and its products becomes increasingly negative. The resulting violence and vandalism directed toward Tesla are a manifestation of this sentiment. It remains to be seen how the company will respond to these challenges and whether the tide of public opinion can be reversed.