A former federal employee and his wife, an executive at a green energy nonprofit, have been charged with defacing multiple Tesla vehicles in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
According to The Washington Post, the acts are being investigated as potential hate crimes.
Justin and Emily Fisher, who reside in the exclusive Capitol Hill area, released a joint statement through their respective attorneys.
In it, they described themselves as longtime residents of the District who “voluntarily came forward and cooperated” with law enforcement.
“Our understanding is that the allegations in this case involve non-violent and non-destructive conduct that resulted in no property damage,” the statement read.
“We trust that the government and the court system will treat our clients with fairness and proportionality.”
”We look forward to ensuring their constitutional rights are upheld in accordance with the rule of law.”
Police say that several vehicles were marked with messages attacking Elon Musk, including one belonging to a teacher parked at her elementary school.
A total of six incidents were reported, including one vehicle that was vandalized on two separate occasions.
Two Teslas were targeted on nearby blocks, and the new charges expand the number of incidents previously reported by authorities.
Many of the damaged vehicles were located between three and ten blocks from the Fishers’ home.
Authorities confirmed that the couple received citations requiring them to appear in court at a future date.
Hellbound and Down 