Politics
WATCH: CNN Panel Laughs, Jokes About Rising Attacks On Tesla, Rioting
Panelists on CNN’s late-night comedy show on Saturday poked fun at the massive uptick in violent attacks on Tesla dealerships and owners, many of which have involved the use of explosive devices.
When reacting to Elon Musk’s political activities, including the Trump ally’s recent pledge to get involved in judicial races, far-left activist and alleged comedian Amber Ruffin asked; “when do we riot?” The remark was met with cheers and applause from the crowd.
“Here’s what I’ve been doing: I’ve been going around to random Tesla dealerships and lighting cars on fire,” “Reno 911” actor Michael Ian Black chimed in. “I just realized: There’s a good chance I’ll get arrested for saying I was lighting cars on fire at a Tesla dealership. I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t do that.”
Late night shows — which have long become vehicles for left-wing political masquerading as comedy — have largely mocked the rising attacks on Tesla owners and dealers. The coverage wildly differs from that of the Black Lives Matter riots in 2020, when alleged comedians like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert delivered nightly sermons in support of the protests.
In response to the Tesla incidents, Kimmel appeared to endorse the attacks during an opening monologue earlier this week. “People have been vandalizing Tesla vehicles, new Tesla vehicles. Please don’t vandalize, don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles,” Kimmel said before briefly pausing and looking into the camera. The crowd then laughed at the ABC host’s wink and nod at political violence.
Despite support from left-wing media figures, the Department of Justice has vowed to hold those responsible for firebombings of Tesla vehicles responsible. The DOJ on Friday announced charges against three left-wing activists who attacked Tesla vehicles with explosive devices in Washington, Colorado and North Carolina, all of whom were charged with felonies that carry hefty mandatory minimums.
Law enforcement officials say the crimes were politically motivated, citing the suspects’ opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Attorney General Bondi said. “Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.”
