Tesla owner whose car was vandalized receives anonymous apology letter

CHICAGO (WGN) — A North Center neighborhood man whose Tesla was vandalized earlier this month said he received an anonymous letter expressing remorse for the deed.

Peter Katz told WGN News nearly two weeks ago that he found an antisemitic sticker on the back of his red Tesla that was parked near his home. Katz, who is Jewish, said he filed a police report and shared doorbell video with detectives that showed what appeared to be a man carrying a bag while walking on the sidewalk, then to the back of the car.

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“Someone put a swastika on our car, and then it had a sticker that said Heil Elon,” Katz told WGN at the time.

News coverage of the crime appears to have caught the attention of the vandal and prompted them to send Katz a note of apology.

The letter Katz said he received reads:

“Hi Peter,

I saw the story on the news, I did not know your family was Jewish and that this would cause immense harm to you and your family.

I am incredibly sorry for what I did, I did not mean to insult you and your family. I mean it, I have many friends working in the federal government, including in my own family, whose lives have been upended by Elon Musk, including my own. Many of us (myself included) feel endlessly mocked when we see a Tesla, a vehicle that funded the man who is destroying millions of Americans’ lives, as well as our fragile democracy.

I lashed out in anger, marking Teslas inappropriately. It was wrong, I know that now. Know that this move was not made towards you but to try and disparage Elon’s brand further. What he has done to millions of Americans is unforgivable. I hope you understand the frustration many of us are feeling.

I hope that your child’s mitzvah went well. I now found out on the news, that you bought this tesla well before Elon revealed his true colors to the world (by spouting many antisemitic conspiracy theories on X).

To show I am acting in good faith, I have created a sticker if you wish to use it. But know that my days of posting this are done. Take Care.”

Katz was reportedly not the only Tesla owners whose vehicle was vandalized; he said he’d heard from several North Center neighbors who were targeted.

Nationwide, the country has seen several dealerships and charging stations targeted and some set on fire. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was treating the crimes as domestic terrorism.