On a Sunday evening, Elon Musk shared during an X Spaces session with Dr. Gad Saad, a marketing professor at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business, that he had been targeted by two individuals he described as “very mentally ill” in Austin, Texas.
Towards the end of their hour-long conversation, Musk opened up about the challenges his fame brings, especially when venturing into public spaces. He mentioned how people are generally kind, but his presence in places like restaurants often leads to a crowd forming, with many seeking selfies.
Musk expressed the difficulty of engaging in normal activities such as visiting malls or movie theaters without causing a stir. “I can’t easily go to the mall or a movie theater or walk around without creating a ruckus,” he stated, highlighting the impact of his public figure status.
In the interview, Saad inquired about Musk’s personal security arrangements. Musk acknowledged the presence of security in his life, noting that receiving death threats was an uncommon occurrence for him.
However, Musk revealed a concerning detail. “I have had two cases in the last six months where two people, unfortunately very mentally ill, came to try to kill me in Austin with guns,” he said, shedding light on the serious risks he faces.
In December 2022, Musk had also brought attention to a disturbing incident involving a “crazy stalker” who followed a car carrying his son, X Æ A-Xii. This led him to take immediate action by suspending accounts that shared real-time location information, citing safety concerns.
Furthermore, Musk’s stance on ‘free speech’ and his actions on the platform X have sparked controversy among various groups, including government entities, media, and political figures. This has led to speculation about the motives behind the threats against him, with some suggesting political motivations could be at play.
As the conversation around Musk’s safety and his influence continues, it remains clear that his high-profile status comes with complex challenges and risks.