Jewish Cybertruck Owner Seeks Hate Crime Charges After Vehicle Defaced with Swastika

A Jewish owner of a Cybertruck has reported a disturbing incident where his vehicle was vandalized with a Nazi symbol. The defacement occurred amid escalating tensions related to social protests against billionaire Elon Musk.

Avi Ben Hamo described how he witnessed Michael Lewis, a 42-year-old man, drawing a swastika on his Cybertruck, with the word “Elon” inscribed above the symbol. During an interview on “Fox & Friends,” he expressed his desire for authorities to impose hate crime charges.

Ben Hamo revealed his fears during the interview, stating, “I don’t feel safe anymore in Brooklyn or in New York.” His remarks highlight growing concerns about safety and religious intolerance.

Call for Accountability

Ben Hamo asserted that such actions are not merely vandalism but illustrate a troubling attitude towards the Jewish community. He stated, “[You’re] not supposed to go ahead and do something to other people[‘s] car[s], and that’s literally antisemitic. I think we have over here a bigger issue that in the city, the police, the DA… should charge people like this and should prosecute people like this.”

He further emphasized the need for legal accountability, arguing that failure to prosecute may embolden others. “They need to pay for it. Otherwise, other people are not going to be safe, and Jewish people are not going to be safe in the city,” he warned.

Details of the Incident

According to reports, Lewis, who identifies as Jewish, was arrested on allegations of aggravated harassment but was subsequently released. His attorney, Mark Luccarelli, noted that the drawing of the swastika merely traced dust on the Cybertruck, which means it caused no physical damage.

Ben Hamo described his reaction upon discovering the vandalism. He spotted Lewis applying the symbol and approached him, asking, “What are you doing?” Lewis responded with remarks that Ben Hamo found insulting and deeply upsetting.

As the confrontation escalated, Ben Hamo said he stood in front of Lewis’ vehicle to prevent his fleeing. However, when he called 911 for assistance, Lewis attempted to evade the scene, even allegedly trying to hit him with his car. “He tried to run me over with his car,” Ben Hamo recounted. “When he saw that I called the police, he went outside, locked the car and ran away, leaving his vehicle blocking the bike lane.”

A Troubling Response

Upon returning to the scene moments later, Lewis found himself surrounded by police officers, along with a reporter and photographer from the New York Post. It was here that law enforcement detained him.

Luccarelli commented on the situation, reiterating that the act did not result in any damage to the property. He stated, “Our client, who is also Jewish, deeply regrets touching the other man’s car and using a hate symbol in the message. He was dealing with a host of personal issues at the time and the action was out of character. As to the criminal case, he was released from custody without any charges because no damage was done to the vehicle and no crime was committed.”

Broader Context of Protests

This incident highlights an ongoing trend where Teslas, along with their dealerships and charging stations, are becoming focal points for political protests. Across the country, individuals have targeted these vehicles as part of anti-Musk demonstrations, particularly those opposing his affiliations with the Trump administration.

In January, Musk became associated with the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at reducing government spending. This connection has faced criticism from various political factions who oppose Musk’s stance and actions.

Resilience in the Face of Discrimination

Despite the trauma of the recent incident, Ben Hamo expressed his intention to continue driving his Cybertruck. “I love the car,” he stated, clarifying that his fondness is not tied to any political views about Musk or his business actions. Instead, he emphasized a general appreciation for electric vehicles.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the issues of hate and intolerance that persist in society. As discussions about accountability and safety continue, the broader implications of such acts on community dynamics and the implications for the Jewish community remain crucial topics for examination.

Fox News’ Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.