“The Meridian Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred around 1:00 pm Saturday at the Tesla dealership on Franklin Road. The preliminary investigation determined that 70 year-old Christopher Talbot of Meridian made an obscene gesture toward a 49 year-old victim before hitting him with his car. Reports indicate the victim had been driving a truck with pro-Trump flags and had just parked and exited his vehicle when Talbot struck him with his car. The victim drove himself to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries,” says a Sunday press release from the Meridian, Idaho Police Department via CBS Boise affiliate KBOI.
“The victim was able to record Talbot’s license plate, leading officers to his home in Meridian. At the time of the incident, a protest was taking place at the Tesla dealership, with approximately 30 protesters and an estimated 200 counter-protesters in attendance. The victim was identified as a counter-protester at the event. Talbot was arrested without and booked into the Ada County Jail on one count of Aggravated Battery. The Meridian Police Department reminds people to respect everyone’s right to protest and express their 1st Amendment Rights without resorting to violence.”
What a true patriot, putting life and limb on the line to defend the car dealership of a brand founded by a billionaire who never has and almost certainly never will visit Meridian, Idaho, but maybe the victim can at least find an address to send his hospital bill for defending Tesla. Might work if he writes “Wounds suffered fighting for the future of the entire human race” on invoice line.
In related news, at least 17 Teslas were burned at dealership in Rome, Italy, while the patriots were asleep or just didn’t care enough to stand vigil outside all night, Roma Today reports.