(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Around 50 people gathered outside a Tesla dealership on Saturday, March 22, to protest against multi-billionaire Elon Musk and the government agency, 'DOGE'. Although it was the first protest in Colorado Springs, hundreds of protests have been taking place across the countr y targeting Tesla dealerships, rallying behind what's being called the "Tesla Takedown Movement," according to FOX NEWS. "Peaceful protest is the only true way to make any change that's going to remain. It has to be peaceful," said Lynn Lee a protestor at the event. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Cora Mitchell People at the protest say their goal is to bring awareness to the public. While Saturday's rally was peaceful, many across the country have not been. People are lighting the electronic vehicle on fire and targeting Tesla showrooms. "This is not a democracy, this is about destroying democracy, and if we don't stand up and fight, we will lose it," said Lee. Dozens of people stood outside the dealership, waving signs and chanting. According to FOX NEWS, Tesla vandalism has occurred in at least nine states. "I think the inhumanity of Musk's actions [is] by firing people, by closing the Department of Education," said Linda Nicks, another protestor. "I think there's one counter-protester over there, it's pretty gutsy of him to show up," said Nicks. People around the country say they are fed up with Tesla's CEO billionaire Elon Musk, who is leading the efforts to fire federal workers. President Donald Trump appointed Musk to lead the efforts to downsize the federal government. Musk is in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as "DOGE," the program making thousands of cuts nationally. According to Newsweek, it is estimated more than 220,000 jobs will be cut in 2025 with more to be expected. Photo credit: Cora Mitchell "I think my ultimate goal is to energize other people, bring people together. I think, you know, the sign says "organize" I really believe that, that's exactly what we need to do. Organize and come together," said Nicks. “I think peaceful protest is really important.” "What is very distressing is the number of people who allow themselves to be brainwashed by groups to the point that every action they take is against their own best interest," said Lee. ...read more read less