Chadd Ritenbaugh, a 55-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been charged after being caught on camera allegedly carving swastika on Tesla outside a Planet Fitness gym in Doylestown. The incident, which took place on March 24, was discovered when the vehicle’s owner reviewed footage from the car’s built-in camera system.
The suspect, later identified as Chadd Ritenbaugh, was confronted by the furious owner before being arrested and charged with criminal mischief, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
The Incident and the Shocking Footage
The incident took place in broad daylight, just before 9:30 a.m., when a man parked next to the Tesla before stepping out and looking around cautiously. The footage captured him crouching down and making deliberate markings on the side of the car.
When the Tesla owner arrived home and noticed the scratches, they checked the footage and were shocked to discover that a swastika had been etched into their vehicle.
Enraged, the owner took the footage to the police, who launched an investigation. Since the suspect had entered the Planet Fitness gym, staff members were able to identify him using their membership records. Chadd Ritenbaugh had scanned his card upon arrival, making it easy for law enforcement to track him down.
Before his arrest, the Tesla owner personally confronted Ritenbaugh, recording the interaction on a cellphone. The video shows Ritenbaugh looking visibly distressed as the owner questions him about the vandalism.
A liberal who carved a swastika into a Tesla gets an EPIC confrontation.
— Just Jen R𝕏 🫡🇺🇸 (@JustJenRX) April 2, 2025
And some criminal charges too. pic.twitter.com/mN8cN8HY4b
Initially, Chadd Ritenbaugh tried to downplay the incident, claiming he only used a crayon rather than a key to make the markings. However, he ultimately admitted to having a strong dislike for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, though he insisted he had no personal animosity toward the car’s owner.
The Motive Behind the Vandalism
During the confrontation, Chadd Ritenbaugh repeatedly stated that he had nothing against the car owner but acknowledged his hatred for Musk. His frustration seemed to be directed toward the billionaire entrepreneur rather than the Tesla brand itself. His words and actions suggested a deep-seated resentment towards Musk, though it remains unclear what specifically triggered such hostility.
In recent years, Tesla and its CEO have been polarizing figures, with Musk drawing both admiration and criticism for his ventures in electric vehicles, space exploration, and social media.
His outspoken views and business strategies have led to strong reactions from both supporters and detractors. The Tesla brand, as a result, has become an extension of these debates, with some individuals targeting Tesla vehicles as a way to express their disdain for Musk.
The incident involving Ritenbaugh is just one in a series of acts of vandalism directed at Tesla vehicles and dealerships across the country. In some cases, Tesla owners have reported being harassed or having their cars keyed simply for driving a vehicle associated with Musk.
The motivations behind such attacks vary, with some critics opposing Tesla’s business practices, Musk’s political views, or even the shift toward electric vehicles in general.
Legal Consequences and Public Reaction
Following the release of the footage, police wasted no time in charging Chadd Ritenbaugh with criminal mischief, harassment, and disorderly conduct. While the charges are relatively minor compared to the severity of the act, the case has drawn attention to the growing problem of targeted vandalism against Tesla owners.
Legal experts suggest that Ritenbaugh could face fines or even a short jail sentence depending on the severity of the damage caused. If the Tesla owner decides to press further legal action, he could also be held liable for damages to the vehicle. The presence of clear video evidence strengthens the case against him, making it difficult for him to dispute his involvement.
Public reaction to the incident has been mixed. Many have condemned Ritenbaugh’s actions, calling them senseless and motivated by irrational hatred.
Others have pointed to the broader issue of how public figures like Musk inspire intense emotions, sometimes leading to extreme behavior. The use of a swastika, a symbol widely associated with hate and extremism, has also raised concerns about the deeper implications of such acts.
Tesla owners and enthusiasts have voiced their concerns over the increase in vandalism targeting the brand. The company’s built-in camera system, known as Sentry Mode, has been crucial in identifying suspects in similar cases. Many Tesla owners believe that these security features are necessary to deter potential acts of vandalism and hold perpetrators accountable.
Ritenbaugh’s case serves as a stark reminder of how polarizing figures like Elon Musk can influence public sentiment, sometimes leading to extreme actions. As the investigation continues, authorities hope to send a strong message that acts of vandalism will not be tolerated, regardless of personal grievances against public figures or corporations.
The legal proceedings will determine the extent of Ritenbaugh’s punishment, but for Tesla owners, the incident reinforces the importance of remaining vigilant and utilizing security features to protect their vehicles from similar attacks.