A radical legal group tied to the Antifa movement has partnered with anti-Tesla activists protesting CEO Elon Musk’s political alliances, particularly his ties to former President Donald Trump. The Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC), based in Oregon, has been providing online training and legal support to demonstrators engaged in what they’ve dubbed the “Tesla Takedown.”
The CLDC, known for defending Antifa affiliates in criminal cases and opposing law enforcement across multiple fronts, held a virtual training session on March 19 aimed at equipping protesters with tactics to avoid arrest. “It’s time to be strategic and effective, but it’s not time to be afraid or silenced,” said CLDC Executive Director Lauren Regan, warning attendees about conservative areas where law enforcement might act swiftly against demonstrators.
This latest activism campaign stems from Musk’s past and present association with conservative political figures, including his advisory role under the Trump administration. The protests culminated in a coordinated “Global Day of Action” on March 29 at Tesla facilities nationwide. Some of these events reportedly led to threats and assaults, though the movement’s organizers claimed to oppose violence.
The CLDC has a controversial history. In 2019, one of its volunteer workers, Charlie Landeros, was fatally shot after opening fire on police at his daughter’s middle school. Authorities later revealed Landeros had posted violent anti-police rhetoric online. Despite clear evidence, the CLDC questioned the investigation’s integrity, invoking claims of racial injustice.
The group has also represented other far-left figures, including Antifa supporter Alissa Azar, who was convicted of felony riot for her role in a 2021 street clash in Oregon. The CLDC labeled her sentence “dystopian” and claimed she was merely acting as a journalist.
The organization has thrown its support behind the “Stop Cop City” movement, which led violent demonstrations against police infrastructure in Georgia. In 2024, the CLDC dismissed terrorism charges against rioters, claiming none of their actions met federal definitions of terrorism.
In late March, CLDC issued online guidance for anti-Musk and anti-Trump activists, instructing them on how to resist police questioning and avoid cooperating with authorities. The statement emphasized distrust of law enforcement and advised protesters to view government institutions as political adversaries.
CLDC also collaborated with Indivisible, a progressive group involved in the March protests. A joint event on March 21 in Eugene, Oregon, offered “know your rights” training for activists. Both CLDC and Indivisible declined to respond to media inquiries.
While “Tesla Takedown” does not appear to be a formal organization, its decentralized network has drawn support from left-wing groups hostile to Musk’s political positions and corporate practices. The involvement of the CLDC further underscores how ideologically motivated legal organizations are escalating their support for coordinated protest movements targeting conservative figures and corporations.
