A Houston man is facing criminal mischief charges after he admitted to vandalizing a woman’s Tesla in a Whole Foods parking lot on February 13.
But despite President Trump labeling incidents like this “domestic terrorism,” Houston Police Department (HPD) officials say that label doesn’t apply here.
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What happened?
Nicholas Carrion says he lashed out after the Tesla driver allegedly cut him off on the way to the store. Acting impulsively, he followed her into the parking lot and damaged keyed her car on the way out of the store. It was destructive, no doubt, but HPD was clear: this wasn’t terrorism.
Vandalism or domestic terrorism?
President Donald Trump called recent Tesla attacks acts of “domestic terrorism.” While that might make headlines, terrorism has a specific legal definition.
According to the FBI, domestic terrorism is violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature
Carrion’s actions, while aggressive, didn’t have any ideological motivation. That’s why HPD determined criminal mischief was the right charge.
What is criminal mischief?
In Texas, vandalism falls under the state’s criminal mischief laws. Under Penal Code Section 28.03, it covers everything from damaging property to making unauthorized markings. When the damage exceeds $2,500, as it did in this case, the crime becomes a felony.
Essentially, it’s about holding people accountable for property damage without making the situation bigger than it is.
All in all
There’s a big difference between terrorism and regular criminal mischief. Calling something terrorism when there’s no ideological intent can mislead people and downplay the seriousness of actual terrorism threats.
HPD’s approach ensures the legal response remains proportionate to the offense. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, allowing law enforcement to address property crimes effectively while maintaining accurate legal classifications.
