Elon Musk Supporters Counter-Protest “Tesla Takedown” Protest in Meridian, Idaho

Supporters of Elon Musk and Donald Trump gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Meridian, Idaho on Saturday, counter-protesting a “Tesla Takedown” protest

The Meridian “Tesla Takedown” protest, one of many to take place on Saturday outside Tesla locations across the United States, was organized by Jacob Whittaker, with sponsors “Troublemakers” of Seattle, Washington and “The Disruption Project” listed on a web page for the demonstration, which can be seen here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/boise-mass-protest-event

The page states “We are taking action at Tesla to stop Musk's illegal coup” and “Stopping Musk will help save lives and protect our democracy”. It also describes Tesla Takedown as a peaceful protest movement, and says “We oppose violence, vandalism and destruction of property. This protest is a lawful exercise of our First Amendment right to peaceful assembly”

The Elon Musk supporters side included the group Idaho Liberty Dogs, who had encouraged others to show up to the Tesla dealership on Saturday

The group said they would “peacefully assemble and surround the dealership to ensure no damage is done by those coming from out of state to protest Elon/Tesla” and stated “Bring your American flags and your straps” in a post on X, which can be seen here: https://x.com/idlibertydogs/status/1904693270120456312

A light police presence was around for the demonstrations, which took place on both sides of W Franklin Road outside the dealership