Paula Oakes, a violin teacher at Wellesley Public Schools in Massachusetts, has been identified as a key organizer of the “Tesla Takedown” protests. Oakes, who has been vocal about her opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, is behind the demonstration that took place on March 16, 2025, at the Tesla dealership located at 888 Boylston Street in Boston’s Prudential Center.
In a recent post on her Pro Democracy Facebook page, Oakes urged others to join the movement, stating, “Since Congress has abdicated its authority, it’s up to us to rise up and resist the authoritarian takeover of the federal government. In that spirit, I have joined the Tesla Takedown movement, a group of self-appointed organizers hosting protests at Tesla dealerships across the country.” She announced her event, titled “I Didn’t Vote for Elon,” set for Sunday, March 16, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and encouraged supporters to attend or organize their own protests via the Tesla Takedown website.
Oakes’ post continued with remarks that have raised eyebrows: “These protests are having an effect. Tesla stock, a significant portion of Elon’s wealth, has been tumbling precipitously since the implementation of DOGE. There have been several incidents of vandalism and property damage at Tesla dealerships, and in France, they simply burned the first Tesla dealership to the ground. I am not resorting to arson just yet, , but will do everything in my power to resist Elon and DOGE’s ransacking of the federal government.”
The comments take on heightened significance following a reported arson attack at a Tesla location in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 18, 2025, just days after her post, as well as the earlier incident in France she referenced. While Oakes’ inclusion of a grinning emoji suggests she may not be serious about arson, her rhetoric has sparked concern given the pattern of escalating incidents tied to the Tesla Takedown movement. It is also important to note that posters suggesting arson appeared at Oakes’ March 16th protest.
Oakes’ professional profile on LinkedIn confirms her role as a music teacher within the Wellesley Public Schools system, where she instructs students in violin. Her public statements, coupled with her position as an educator, have prompted calls for the Wellesley school district and local authorities to investigate whether her remarks pose a risk to the safety of the school community.
As the Tesla Takedown protests gain momentum, attention is turning to whether elected officials, particularly Democrats who have criticized Elon Musk, will address the actions of public employees like Oakes whose statements appear to condone or flirt with violence.
