Protester Arrested After Wild Attack on Opponent [WATCH]

A 70-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault after allegedly hitting a pro-Elon Musk counter-protester with his vehicle during an anti-Tesla rally in Meridian, Idaho.

According to local law enforcement, the incident occurred on Saturday outside a Tesla dealership.

ABC News reports that the rally in Meridian saw approximately 30 protesters gathering to express opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, specifically targeting his role in federal job cuts during the Trump administration.

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However, the protest was met by a much larger counter-protest of around 200 individuals supporting Musk and the company.

Tesla takedown in Boise Idaho turns into a pro Trump rally instead pic.twitter.com/KnIlGqTLFA

— Media Right News (@MediaRightNews1) March 29, 2025

The Meridian Police Department stated that as a 49-year-old counter-protester arrived at the scene, the suspect, identified as Christopher Talbot, 70, of Meridian, allegedly made an obscene gesture at him before striking him with his vehicle.

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The counter-protester, who was driving a truck adorned with pro-Trump flags, had just parked and exited his vehicle when Talbot hit him.

Despite the impact, the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was able to drive himself to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The altercation took place amid a series of “Tesla Takedown” protests organized by anti-Musk groups targeting Tesla dealerships and facilities across the country.

These protests have become more common in recent weeks, fueled by Musk’s controversial position within President Donald Trump’s second administration.

The protests have sparked instances of vandalism and other violent demonstrations against Tesla and its CEO.

Meridian police were able to track down Talbot using the license plate information from his vehicle.

Authorities located his residence, where he was arrested and subsequently booked into Ada County Jail.

BREAKING: Trump supporter at a Tesla dealership mowed down by anti-Musk demonstrator Allan Talbot (Idaho): pic.twitter.com/e5tx12RYJo

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 30, 2025

Talbot faces one count of aggravated battery, a felony charge, according to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.

A police spokesperson issued a statement reminding the public that while everyone has the right to protest and express their First Amendment rights, violence should never be the solution.

“The Meridian Police Department reminds people to respect everyone’s right to protest and express their 1st Amendment Rights without resorting to violence,” the spokesperson said.

This incident adds to a growing pattern of violent demonstrations and vandalism linked to protests against Tesla and Elon Musk.

Breitbart News recently covered another similar incident involving Tesla vandalism, which highlights an escalation of such behavior.

In Texarkana, 33-year-old Demarqeyun Marquize Cox was arrested after deliberately ramming his ATV into a parked Tesla owned by Virita Carstaffin.

The attack, which was captured on video by Carstaffin’s Tesla, caused significant damage to the vehicle.

BUSTED: Large Texas man arrested after crashing mini 4-wheeler into parked Tesla vehicles across the city of Texarkana pic.twitter.com/08ihYzpXRJ

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 26, 2025

Cox, who was later stopped by police and arrested, had initially tried to evade identification by providing a false name.

The rising number of incidents involving violence and vandalism against Tesla and its supporters continues to raise concerns about the increasingly hostile environment surrounding these protests.

While Tesla and Musk remain focal points for these movements, authorities are actively working to address these criminal acts, with law enforcement stressing the importance of nonviolent protest.

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