James Uthmeier says state is ready to face down #TeslaTakedown protesters

Electric car dealerships may be the most well-fortified places in Florida this weekend.

That’s the assurance brought by Attorney General James Uthmeier, who warns that people traipsing to Tesla vendors to vent about Elon Musk will be met with reminders of state force.

“Today’s the day that these crazies say they’re going to go to dealerships and destroy Teslas protesting what Elon’s doing up in D.C. Again, I don’t know why we want to protest somebody that’s finding ways to save the American people hundreds of millions or billions in taxpayer dollars, but alas, there are people out there that want to cause damage,” Uthmeier said from West Palm Beach.

But he wasn’t done.

“Our troopers are here working around the clock patrolling these dealerships. And if you wanna come here, you’re going to face the full force of law. It’s not just about Teslas. It’s about protecting our state businesses. Today, it’s Tesla, tomorrow, it might be Chick-Fil-A or some other company. If you want to protest and cause damage, I don’t care what business it is. We’ve got your back, we’re going to protect you and we’re going to ensure rule of law in the state of Florida.”

Uthmeier has been consistent on this messaging for days.

“At my direction, the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will monitor the planned ‘TeslaTakedown’ events across Florida,” Uthmeier posted to social media Friday. “Florida has zero tolerance for crimes against people or property. If these protests turn violent, we will do what’s necessary to restore order and hold offenders accountable.”

These protests have become a global phenomenon, as the left mobilizes against the South African born tech impresario amid his unprecedented access to presidential power.

Florida’s Top Cop has made Tesla protection job one in recent days, and has suggested incentives for those battling protests that may turn violent.

“We’re going to have law enforcement patrolling these dealerships. And I’ll tell you if you are a law enforcement officer in Florida and you interfere with somebody and prevent them from hurting a Tesla, come find me and I’m going to try to get you a pay raise and a promotion,” Uthmeier said on “Fox & Friends First.”

During that appearance, he alluded to “several statutes” in Florida law beyond vandalism that can enhance punishment. He also questioned the philosophy of people committing the vandalism.

“These leftist protesters, they seem to be attacking Teslas as a private company as a way to protest government. They seem to have overlooked the fact that Elon Musk is trying to eliminate government,” Uthmeier said.

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