Radical Climate Group Deflates Bay Area SUV Tires, Tells Drivers to Use Public Transportation

Traffic moves along a freeway in a file photo. Mike Blake/Reuters

A left-wing group wrote that its members are now deflating the tires of vehicles in the name of combatting “climate change” around the San Francisco Bay Area, according to social media posts.

“ATTENTION – Your gas guzzler kills. We have deflated one or more of your tires. You'll be angry, but don’t take it personally. It’s not you, it’s your car,” said a leaflet that was left behind on some targeted vehicles’ windshields, according to social media postings. The left-wing group “Tyre Extinguishers” appeared to claim responsibility.

“We did this because driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others,” the leaflet added, without elaborating on what those consequences are. “We’re taking actions into our own hands because our governments and politicians will not.”

Owners are also advised in the note they will have “no difficulty getting around without your gas guzzler, with walking, cycling, or public transport,” although it appears that the leaflet’s authors don’t have a clear understanding of public transportation in the United States as many areas lack bus, train, taxi, and metro service.

Incidents occurred in Vacaville, California, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

A spokesperson for Tyre Extinguishers told the paper that “this is the first action in the Bay Area” and “the first of many.” On its website, the group alleged that 12 SUVs had tires deflated in Vacaville this month and called on people to avoid targeting “cars clearly used for people with disabilities.”

Lt. Katie Cardona with the Vacaville Police Department said officials received one report on July 5 of a Honda Pilot SUV’s car being deflated overnight.

“We are aware that there are reports of additional tire deflations on social media, but those have not been reported to us,” Cardona told the outlet over the weekend, adding that the case is being investigated as a crime of vehicle tampering—a misdemeanor offense that carries a maximum one year in jail.

Earlier this month, the radical group wrote that it deflated the tires of 20 SUVs in Chicago, New York, and Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Deflating drivers’ tires can put the driver and occupants at serious risk of injury or death. Low tire pressure reduces the vehicle’s grip on the road and may result in a loss of control of the vehicle.

The group also noted on its website that: “Hybrids and electric cars are fair game. We cannot electrify our way out of the climate crisis - there are not enough rare earth metals to replace everyone’s car and the mining of these metals causes suffering.”

The Epoch Times has emailed Tyre Extinguishers for comment.