Man whose Tesla was keyed at DFW Airport files $1 million lawsuit after suspect arrested
The North Texas man whose Tesla was vandalized as it sat in a DFW Airport parking garage this month is suing the suspected vandal for over $1 million, according to the lawsuit.
The owner of the Tesla Model X, who is identified by the initials J.N. in the lawsuit, alleges that the March 13 incident in which his car was keyed and deeply scratched was targeted and caused him “emotional distress and anguish.”
The lawsuit cites what it calls a “Tesla Takedown” movement that has grown in response to founder Elon Musk’s political views.
“Certain activists are urging consumers to divest from Tesla products and are organizing protests and other activities that are ... urging physical damage and/or violence against Tesla owners and/or their Tesla vehicles,” the suit states.
Video of the vandalism at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, captured by the built-in cameras on the plaintiff’s Tesla, went viral earlier this month after Donald Trump Jr. reposted a screenshot from the footage on his X account.
The publicity generated by Trump’s post has made the Tesla owner a victim of “continued harassment and intimidation,” according to his lawsuit.
The man seen in the video was arrested by DFW Airport police and is identified in the lawsuit and a criminal complaint filed by the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office as 56-year-old Rafael Hernandez, of Frisco.
Hernandez is charged with criminal mischief at a value greater than $2,500 but less than $30,000, according to the complaint filed in court.
Hernandez was arrested on March 22 and released on bond, according to jail records. A defense attorney representing him is not yet listed in court records.
This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 4:50 PM.
