A 68-year-old woman wearing a pro-Trump t-shirt created chaos at a Tesla dealership in Washington state over the weekend.
According to Daily Mail, Louise Powell was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and driving without a license after speeding through a Tesla protest while making offensive gestures at demonstrators in Spokane Valley on Saturday.
The incident occurred at the Tesla dealership located at 1805 N. Pepper Lane in Liberty Lake, where a crowd had gathered for a "Tesla Takedown" demonstration. Powell, driving a blue Volkswagen Beetle, was seen speeding through the parking lot while screaming and making inappropriate gestures at protesters.
A Spokane Police officer observed Powell's erratic behavior and attempted to stop her vehicle. She refused to comply with police signals and continued driving at high speeds, weaving between lanes on the highway.
The situation escalated when Powell made an illegal U-turn on North Bitterroot Street, nearly causing what police described as a potentially significant accident. She then steered her vehicle toward the sidewalk at dangerous speeds while continuing to antagonize protesters.
Liberty Lake Police Chief Damon Simmons eventually managed to block Powell's vehicle and take her into custody. The arrest was documented in photographs showing Powell wearing a gray t-shirt with "TRUMP 47" and "YOU'RE FIRED" printed on it.
The protest was part of ongoing "Tesla Takedown" demonstrations that have increased across the country. These demonstrations target both Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk's involvement with recent government policies.
One anti-Tesla protester shared their relief on Facebook following the incident. The protester praised local law enforcement for their quick response and emphasized the dangerous nature of Powell's actions.
The demonstrations have intensified as thousands of federal workers, including veterans, face job losses due to government downsizing initiatives. These policy changes have sparked widespread criticism and protest movements.
Tesla's market position has shown a significant decline in recent months. The company's European sales dropped 45 percent in January compared to the previous year, while competitors experienced a 37 percent increase.
The electric vehicle manufacturer's market capitalization has decreased by 45 percent since reaching its peak of $1.5 trillion in December. This decline has largely erased gains made after Musk's involvement in Trump's election victory.
In response to these challenges, Trump recently showcased Tesla vehicles at the White House and purchased one himself. During a press conference, he declared that individuals committing violence against Tesla dealerships would be labeled as domestic terrorists.
Louise Powell's reckless driving spree at the Tesla dealership in Spokane Valley resulted in her arrest on Saturday. The 68-year-old MAGA supporter now faces charges of reckless driving and operating a vehicle without a license. The incident highlighted escalating tensions surrounding Tesla protests, which have become more frequent across the country. These demonstrations reflect growing opposition to government policies affecting federal workers and Tesla's involvement in political matters.
