Orange Cybertruck DUMPST5R Faces Challenges at Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans

An orange Cybertruck from Texas, sporting the license plate DUMPST5R, participated in the Krewe of Orpheus parade in New Orleans on Monday night, marking the festive kickoff of Mardi Gras. The vehicle made an early exit from the parade route after spectators unleashed a barrage of beads and debris, leading to chipped glass on the truck.

Meet the Owners: Food Blogger and Gaming Enthusiast

The orange Cybertruck, DUMPST5R, is owned by winespring, a food blogger focusing on the Wheel of Time fantasy series, and MrMoonBound, who runs a popular account linking to a website that offers one of the best walkthroughs for the classic 1994 SNES game, Earthbound.

Live Streaming the Mardi Gras Experience

Winespring shared the Cybertruck’s intense journey through the parade via livestream on X. The extensive video, lasting over three hours, shows their entry into the parade route approximately an hour in. Unfortunately, it soon became a scene filled with boos, jeers, and flying beads.

Beads, Tension, and Chaos Inside the Cybertruck

Inside the Cybertruck, the incessant sound of beads bouncing off the vehicle created an overwhelming atmosphere. While winespring and MrMoonBound attempted to keep the mood light, the tension was palpable. About two hours and ten minutes into the video, a passenger revealed, “They’re talking about pulling all of the trucks off, for everyone’s safety and the safety of the vehicle… as soon as I get the call I’m going to find the nearest cop… and we’ll get out.” The plan was almost drowned out by the chaotic sound of beads hitting the car.

Attempting to Escape the Parade

Roughly forty minutes later, as they tried to exit the route, the Cybertruck signaled to nearby police. Beads continued pelting the car amid discussions with the officers. A passenger expressed urgency, stating, “We need to get off the route. We’re getting beat to shit by people throwing stuff, jumping on the car, kicking the car, hitting the car.”

The police eventually facilitated their exit, but as they pulled away, the sound of boos erupted, and something more substantial than beads struck the windshield. “We were so excited when we were asked to do this because we love New Orleans,” winespring lamented, her voice heavy with disappointment.

Assessing the Damage After the Parade

Minutes later, on the video at 2:58, winespring tried to comfort the apprehensive passengers as beads continued to bombard the Cybertruck. “We’ve seen John from Silicon Valley Tesla owners step on his windshield. We’ve seen a bomb go off inside of one. We’re OK,” she reassured. A male passenger added, “I’m about to pull the medical emergency card here. We’ve gotta go.” Another voiced concern, “I would imagine, eventually, the glass is gonna start breaking.”

At the conclusion of the video, the group pulled over under a streetlamp to assess the aftermath. The Cybertruck was adorned with beads, and the trunk was filled with them. Despite the decorative chaos, the orange wrap appeared intact, but the windows told a different story. “Looks like we might have some broken glass… that’s sad,” winespring noted as the camera captured a significant divot in the back windshield. “Hopefully everyone else is OK… well, that was the Orpheus parade.”

The Impact of Current Events on Tesla and Elon Musk

Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, are frequently mentioned in the same breath, particularly as Musk’s controversial stance towards the federal government continues to gain attention. Reports indicate that sales of Tesla vehicles are declining across Europe, with a Tesla showroom in France suffering severe damage from a recent arson attack that destroyed 12 cars, resulting in approximately $700,000 in damages.

Increasing Hostility Towards Tesla in the U.S.

This troubling trend is also evident in the United States. Recently, a Tesla charging station was set ablaze in Littleton, Massachusetts, and a car within an Oregon dealership was shot at and damaged. In Loveland, Colorado, incidents of vandalism have escalated, including a molotov cocktail thrown at a Cybertruck and hateful graffiti targeting Tesla.

Moreover, peaceful protests are becoming more common, with activists marching through Tesla showrooms to express their discontent. A rising anti-Musk sentiment appears to be growing across the nation, symbolizing a larger backlash against his brand.

Conclusion: The Future of Tesla Amidst Protests

As Musk continues to challenge institutional norms, the backlash against Tesla vehicles may intensify. With controversial actions from Musk affecting brand perception, it remains to be seen how these incidents will shape the future of Tesla amid a climate of evolving public sentiment.