Anarchist Symbolism and ‘Deny, Defend, Depose’ Slogan Used in Vandalism of Elon Musk Mural
Executive Summary
A mural of Elon Musk in downtown Brownsville, Texas, was defaced with the phrase “Deny, Defend, Depose” and an anarchist symbol. The vandalism has been widely shared on anarchist social media platforms, which have previously promoted direct action tactics against corporate and political figures. The phrase, already associated with the December 2024 assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has taken on a broader anti-corporate, anti-government meaning in radical circles. The Brownsville Police Department has not received reports of the incident, and no arrests have been made.
Analysis
The vandalism of the Elon Musk mural is not an isolated act of property damage; rather, it fits within a larger pattern of anarchist and left-wing direct action targeting high-profile figures associated with corporate and government power. The use of the phrase “Deny, Defend, Depose” is particularly significant because it was found etched on bullet shell casings at the crime scene of Brian Thompson’s assassination. This suggests that the phrase has evolved from being linked to a single criminal act into a broader ideological slogan.
The phrase originally stems from critiques of corporate policies, particularly in the insurance industry, where it describes tactics used to deny claims, defend against lawsuits, and depose claimants in legal battles. However, its appropriation by radical groups signals an escalation in rhetoric against corporate elites. By spray-painting the slogan over Musk’s image, the vandals are drawing a parallel between Musk and figures like Thompson, positioning him as an enemy of the people in the same vein.
The inclusion of the anarchist symbol further reinforces this message, as it explicitly ties the act to anarchist ideology. The sharing of the vandalism on anarchist social media platforms indicates that this was likely a deliberate political statement rather than random graffiti. Online anarchist spaces have frequently encouraged acts of property destruction against corporate and state targets as part of a broader strategy of resistance and disruption.
Musk’s increasingly controversial role in the Trump administration has also made him a target for left-wing activists. His Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has drawn scrutiny for alleged overreach, including accessing federal employee records and closing government agencies without congressional approval. Within anarchist circles, Musk is seen as a symbol of unchecked capitalism and government-corporate collusion, making him a prime target for protest actions.
In response to the vandalism, artist Alexandro Gonzalez-Hernandez quickly covered the graffiti and added a name tag reading “Hello, my name is Luigi. M,” referencing Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing Thompson. The artist’s ambiguous statement about whether Musk himself requested the change—claiming it could have been AI or something “even bigger”—suggests an attempt to maintain neutrality while acknowledging the controversy surrounding the mural. However, the decision to reference Mangione has only fueled further backlash, with many arguing that it glorifies violence or serves as a veiled endorsement of radical actions.
Criticism of the updated mural reflects deeper tensions within the local community. Some Brownsville residents have condemned the vandalism and the subsequent changes to the mural as an attempt to legitimize anarchist rhetoric. Others have argued that Musk, due to his wealth and political influence, does not deserve to be honored in a public artwork at all. The backlash highlights the increasingly polarized views on Musk’s role in society, particularly in Texas, where he has both strong supporters and vocal detractors.
The incident serves as a reminder that acts of vandalism are not always random but can be deeply embedded in political and ideological movements. The sharing of the defaced mural on anarchist social media indicates that similar actions may continue, particularly as Musk’s influence in government grows and tensions surrounding corporate power and economic inequality escalate.
