Protesters Try to Storm Tesla Factory in Germany, Multiple Arrests

Protesters made a concerted effort to breach security and gain access to Tesla’s factory near Berlin, resulting in a significant law enforcement response and multiple arrests. The incident marked the latest escalation in ongoing protests against the carmaker’s expansion plans. According to statements from the Brandenburg Police Department, a group of individuals attempted to enter the Tesla factory premises, prompting a swift and coordinated effort by law enforcement to prevent any unauthorized access. Despite initial reports suggesting that protesters had successfully breached security, authorities clarified that they had managed to thwart the attempt, ensuring that protesters did not gain entry.

Both Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the factory’s senior director, Andre Thierig, confirmed that protesters did not breach the facility, emphasizing the effectiveness of the security measures in place. Musk, in a tweet, noted that the protesters were unable to break through the perimeter fence, highlighting the robustness of the security infrastructure.

German media outlet Die Welt reported that hundreds of protesters gathered near the property, leading to clashes with law enforcement. A police spokesperson confirmed one injury and several arrests in connection with the protests. Photos and videos from the scene depicted tense confrontations between protesters and police, with some individuals attempting to push past security barriers.

Lucia Mende, a spokesperson for the group Disrupt Tesla, stated that multiple arrests had been made during the protests. Mende also claimed that despite police denials, hundreds of protesters had managed to gain access to the facility. This assertion contradicted official reports and highlighted the differing narratives surrounding the events.

The protests were part of a broader campaign against Tesla’s expansion plans, which have drawn criticism from environmental activists. The proposed expansion includes increasing the factory’s battery storage capacity, a move that has sparked concerns about the impact on nearby forests. Local residents have voted against the expansion, and environmental groups have staged various protests, including occupying nearby forests.

The incident follows a series of actions by protesters targeting the Tesla factory. In March, a suspected arson attack caused a fire in a transformer, leading to a temporary halt in production. The protests on Friday were anticipated, with Tesla instructing all employees to stay home and suspending production for the day in anticipation of the demonstrations.

Musk has been vocal in his criticism of the protesters, particularly after the transformer fire incident. In previous statements, he has characterized the protesters as “dumb eco-terrorists” or pawns manipulated by those with misguided environmental agendas. He has argued that halting the production of electric vehicles, as opposed to fossil fuel vehicles, is counterproductive and “extremely stupid.