Tesla Driver Charged With Assault and Elder Abuse For Allegedly Running Down Protester at 'No Kings' March

During the 'No Kings' march in San Francisco on June 14, Hauwei Lien allegedly drove his 2025 Tesla Model Y into a 69-year-old protester, leading to serious injuries. The victim attempted to halt Lien's vehicle but was struck, suffering two broken toes and a gash on his forehead. After the incident, Lien was arrested and has since pleaded not guilty, with a bail review set for June 23. Prosecutors claim Lien accelerated into the victim, knocking him onto the hood before swerving sharply to dislodge him. The San Francisco District Attorney's Office has launched an open investigation into the incident, which occurred during a largely peaceful protest that drew tens of thousands of participants.

Elsewhere, Petaluma police are investigating a separate incident involving a pickup truck trying to drive through pedestrians at a crosswalk during the same protests. Authorities encourage anyone with information to reach out to the SFPD. Such incidents highlight tensions surrounding public demonstrations and the potential for violence.