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✓ Human Fact-Checked
u/snopes-dot-comonReddit6d ago
DOGE whistleblower's brake line was cut after Musk posted about him on X: Timeline of what we know
Trust Metrics
92
78
85
72
Accuracy92%
Framing78%
Context85%
Tone72%
Analysis Summary
In April 2025, federal IT staffer Dan Berulis filed a whistleblower report alleging DOGE caused a cybersecurity breach. Elon Musk posted Berulis's identity on X, claiming he'd committed a crime. The next day, someone cut Berulis's brake line and tampered with his airbag sensor — a police report confirms the vandalism. Berulis crashed the following day and sued Musk, arguing his massive social media platform was the reason someone attacked his car. This case raises serious questions about accountability when powerful public figures target individuals online, especially in retaliation for protected whistleblowing.
Independent Fact-Check
Checked by Snopes
Rating True
Review date 6/15/2026
Claims Analysis (4)
“A DOGE whistleblower's brake line was cut after Musk posted about him on X”
Police report confirms vandalism to Dan Berulis' car. Musk posted about Berulis on X alleging a crime. Brake line cut occurred day after post. Snopes rated the claim True after independent review.
“Berulis had filed a whistleblower report alleging members of Musk's DOGE caused a significant cybersecurity breach”
Snopes fact-check and FindLaw coverage both confirm Berulis filed whistleblower disclosure related to DOGE cybersecurity allegations. This is the documented cause that preceded Musk's post.
“Berulis crashed his car the day after discovering the brake line was cut”
FindLaw coverage notes Berulis 'crashed the next day' after discovering brake line tampering and airbag sensor tampering on his vehicle.
“Berulis filed a pro se lawsuit against Musk holding him liable for the brake vandalism”
FindLaw article confirms Berulis filed lawsuit 'accuses Musk' and 'seeks to hold Musk liable on the theory that, given the size of his audience and influ[ence]' the post incited the vandalism.
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