Musk has 20 guards who accompany him even in restroom
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is protected by a 20-member security team known as Voyager. This group of highly trained bodyguards and security professionals follows him everywhere he goes, even accompanying him to the bathroom. The New York Times describes their operations as being similar to a mini-Secret Service due to their precision and vigilance.
A closer look at the team's tasks
The Voyager team is equipped with firearms and includes a dedicated medical expert. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere protection, as they are also trained to scout escape routes and clear rooms before Musk enters. This level of security is a significant departure from Musk's previous approach, where he was often seen with just two bodyguards.
Escalating threats necessitate heightened security
The decision to increase Musk's security detail was driven by escalating threats. His interactions with fans have reportedly taken a more sinister turn, necessitating a complete overhaul of his security measures. This is in stark contrast to former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who often moved around San Francisco without any bodyguards.
Musk's security costs have surged over the years
The cost of ensuring Musk's safety has seen a substantial increase over the years. In 2016, his security expenses totaled more than $163,000. However, by 2023, Tesla had spent $2.4 million on his protection and allocated an additional $500,000 for the first two months of 2024 alone. This marks a significant rise from the monthly average of $145,000 spent on his security between 2015 and 2018.
Death threats prompted measures
Musk has been open about the threats he faces. During Tesla's annual shareholder meeting in June, he revealed that two individuals had threatened to kill him. In 2022, after his home address was leaked online, Musk discreetly purchased a new house. He also took over Twitter (now X) and attempted to suspend accounts tracking his private jet movements, referring to them as "assassination coordinates."
Security tightened for other Tesla executives
The security concerns are not limited to Musk alone. Zachary Kirkhorn, Tesla's former CFO, also had his security tightened after receiving a death threat demanding $300,000 in Bitcoin via email. These incidents were reported from Tesla's headquarters between 2022 and 2023 and were classified by law enforcement agencies as "terroristic threats."
