West Fargo (trfnews.i234.me)—In a startling incident that has left the local community in disbelief, a Tesla Cybertruck was deliberately vandalized in the parking lot of the West Fargo Costco. The crime occurred on Saturday, March 29, 2025, around 1:38 p.m., when the vehicle’s owner, Mitch Benson, was shopping inside the store with his daughter.
Surveillance footage captured a man approaching Benson’s Cybertruck and scratching the side of the vehicle, etching what appeared to be the letter “F.” The incident was notably brazen, taking place in broad daylight amidst a busy shopping area. Benson expressed his shock and frustration, stating, “I literally couldn’t believe it. I was shocked it actually happened.”.
Utilizing footage from Tesla’s integrated cameras and nearby business surveillance, West Fargo Police swiftly identified the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect, 25-year-old Ryan Lyle Williams of Fargo, was located and admitted to the vandalism. He has been charged with felony criminal mischief, with charges forwarded to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office.
This act of vandalism coincided with “Tesla Takedown” protests held nationwide on the same day, aimed at expressing dissent towards Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration. While it’s unclear if Williams’ actions were directly related to these protests, the timing has raised questions about potential motivations.
Benson, who had eagerly awaited his Cybertruck for nearly five years, expressed concern over the increasing hostility towards Tesla owners. He noted that while he had previously encountered disapproving gestures, this incident marked a significant escalation. “This was so brazen,” he remarked, highlighting the audacity of the act in a public setting.
The repair costs for the damage are estimated to be around $2,500. Despite this setback, Benson remains resolute in his support for Tesla, stating, “I got it in August. I drove it proudly then; nothing changes now. This is something that doesn’t make me want to back down from driving my Tesla.”
This incident is part of a troubling trend of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and properties. Recently, there have been multiple reports of Tesla cars being defaced, set on fire, and charging stations being torched across the country. These attacks have been labeled as acts of “domestic terrorism” by the Trump administration, with Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasizing severe consequences for those involved.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has condemned these acts, describing them as a “great wrong” against a “peaceful company.” He expressed bewilderment over the violence, questioning the motives behind such attacks and attributing them to propaganda spread by the far left.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activities and remain vigilant. The West Fargo Police Department has stated that this remains an open investigation, with no further information available at this time.
Did you know?
-
Tesla’s vehicles are equipped with a feature called “Sentry Mode,” which uses the car’s external cameras to monitor and record potential threats when the vehicle is unattended.
-
The Tesla Cybertruck, unveiled in 2019, boasts an exoskeleton made of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, designed for superior durability and passenger protection.
-
As of 2025, Tesla has sold over 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.