A state worker scratched six Teslas because he hates Elon Musk. He kept his job anyway.

A state worker scratched six Teslas because he hates Elon Musk. He kept his job anyway.

A Minnesota budget analyst caused $20,000 in damage but avoided criminal charges and got a single day of unpaid suspension.

When we pay taxes, we expect the people working for our government to follow the law. It hurts when they destroy other people's property instead.

An analyst for the state of Minnesota admitted to keying six Tesla cars in Minneapolis in March 2025. The worker said he did it because he did not like the political actions of Elon Musk.

Tesla cameras caught the man walking his dog while scratching the cars. The damage to the vehicles cost about $20,000 to fix.

Instead of going to court, the worker paid the owners back. He entered a special program to avoid criminal charges. His state agency gave him a one-day unpaid suspension, and he kept his job.

Fact Box

• 6 Tesla cars damaged
• $20,000 in total repair costs
• 1 day of unpaid suspension from his state job
• Zero criminal charges after paying back the owners

Why It Matters

Many people feel this punishment is too light. They believe state workers should face the same rules as anyone else.

When someone destroys private property over politics, people worry about fairness in how the law is applied.

What Happens Next

The worker is back at his state job after serving his one-day suspension.

Critics are calling for tougher action against him. They want to see state offices hold employees to higher standards.

What We Still Don't Know

1. Why did the state agency decide a one-day suspension was enough?
2. How did the car owners feel about the diversion program?
3. Will the state change its rules for workers who commit crimes?