Musk reopening California Tesla factory against state orders

Elon Musk on Monday announced his intentions to reopen a Tesla plant in California in defiance of state orders, inviting authorities to arrest him for doing so.

“Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules,” the electric vehicle company’s CEO tweeted.

“I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.”

Monday’s announcement is a marked escalation from Musk, who has criticized stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Tesla’s Fremont, Calif., factory has been shut down since March 23, shortly after Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order.

The car manufacturer has since been pushing for an exception allowing the plant to reopen.

Alameda County officials have said they were negotiating with Tesla for a reopening plan.