‘He Would Be Arrested on the Spot!’ Stunned Germans React to Elon Musk’s Controversial Gesture During Inauguration Speech

German citizens were shocked by the sight of Trump ally and billionaire Elon Musk making a gesture that was eerily similar to a Nazi salute.

Musk has found himself embroiled in more controversy when he twice emphatically grabbed at his chest and extended his right arm during a speech at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Some were quick to accuse Musk of doing a Nazi salute in front of millions on live TV, but supporters of his came to his defense just as quickly. Although Musk — and even the ADL — have denied that his intent was to mimic the salute, actual neo-Nazis like Nick Fuentes have used the imagine as proof of his supposed allegiance to their cause.

While opinions were split in the U.S., there seemed to be a consensus in Germany. In a man-on-the-street segment put together by German outlet DW News, locals watched the clip for the first time and were stunned.

“Im just, like freezing,” said one woman. “I can’t believe that that’s really happening. I can’t imagine what it’s gonna be like the next four years if this is just the beginning.”

@dw_berlinfresh Replying to @M.I.C.H.E.L.L.E What’s your reaction to Elon Musk’s hand gesture? #dwberlinfresh #elonmusk #donaldtrump #inauguration ♬ original sound – Berlin Fresh

Another passerby pointed out the fact that what Musk did could actually be considered a crime in German. After the fall of Nazi Germany, any form of the salute has been made illegal.

“If he would be doing this in Germany,” they said, “he would be arrested on the spot.”

That second person also dismissed Musk’s defenders arguing his alleged autism is an excuse for the sudden arm movement.

“I know some people might come with the excuse that he is autistic,” they continued. “and as someone who is autistic myself, this is not an excuse. I would never do this gesture.”

Another woman used her time in the segment to issue a warning to the United States.

“America, really, you don’t want that,” she said. “Germany had it. Don’t need to be repeated.”