Yamaris Marrero, a 45-year-old Cuban national residing in Hallandale Beach, found herself behind bars in Miami after being accused of damaging a Tesla vehicle by sticking gum in the door handle mechanism. The incident took place on Saturday, March 22, around 12:45 PM in the JCPenney parking lot at Aventura Mall and was captured by the car's integrated cameras, as reported by Local 10.
According to the police report, the damage inflicted on the Tesla amounted to $2,623.66, due to the impairment of the door handle's electrical mechanism. The vehicle owner explained to Local 10 that he believes the act was a deliberate attack, possibly fueled by political polarization in the United States. He referenced the controversy surrounding Tesla's founder, Elon Musk, and his association with President Donald Trump as a potential motive.
Marrero, originally from Sagua la Grande, Villa Clara, as noted on her Facebook profile, was identified and apprehended on Thursday, March 27, after a security guard spotted her in the mall's food court. Initially, she faced a felony charge for criminal mischief with an aggravated hate crime enhancement; however, during her Friday bail hearing, this enhancement was dropped, reducing the charge from second to third degree. She is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail set at $2,500.
Criticism and calls to boycott Tesla have arisen from groups disapproving of the far-right policies linked with Musk and his collaboration with the Trump administration. Trump has publicly defended the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity aimed at implementing structural reforms and reducing federal government bureaucracy, while condemning the boycotts and praising his contributions to the U.S. automotive industry.
In a show of support, Trump showcased Tesla vehicles at the White House and encouraged citizens to purchase them. These political tensions have led to acts of vandalism against Tesla properties, including the use of Molotov cocktails to set fire to vehicles and charging stations across various U.S. cities.
The political controversies have had a detrimental impact on Tesla. The company witnessed a dramatic 42.6% drop in sales within the European Union during the initial months of 2025.
Impact of Political Controversy on Tesla
What charges is Yamaris Marrero facing?
Yamaris Marrero is facing a felony charge for criminal mischief, which was reduced to third-degree after the hate crime enhancement was removed.
Why did the Tesla owner believe the attack was politically motivated?
The Tesla owner suspected political motivation due to the ongoing controversy involving Elon Musk's association with Donald Trump, which has sparked polarized opinions.
How have political tensions affected Tesla's sales?
Political tensions have negatively impacted Tesla, leading to a significant 42.6% decline in their sales within the European Union during the early months of 2025.