Climate activists try to storm Tesla plant in Germany, clash with police

Climate activists reportedly tried to storm a Tesla plant in Germany on Friday, May 10. Around 800 activists gathered in near the Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory in hopes of halting the planned expansion of the facility.

In efforts to expand, Tesla will reportedly have to cut down 250 acres of forest near a nature preserve to build a freight rail depot and storages facility. The company claims the project will make it less reliant on outside providers and prevent part production delays.

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Locals voted against the proposed expansion in February. However, the vote was nonbinding and Tesla as well as local officials decided to push forward with the plan.

Protesters had been camped out near the facility since Monday, with crowds growing through Thursday, prompting Tesla to stay home on Friday.

Some activists tried to invade Tesla’s property while sit-in blockades cut off road access for vehicles. There were scuffles with police and protesters trying to flee. Authorities said several people were taken into custody and a few injuries were reported.

Some Tesla vehicles were damaged by vandalism, according to police. Officers reportedly prevented anyone from actually getting inside the facilities.

Elon Musk responded to the protests in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Why do police let left-wing protesters off so easily?” Musk wrote.

The protests were also against lithium mining in Bolivia and Argentina.