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Elon Musk’s security team includes up to 20 security guards and medical professionals, the NYT reports.
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Musk’s security team reportedly referred to the Tesla CEO with the code name “Voyager.”
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Musk’s security burden has increased amid rising threats and status.
“Voyager” – an explorer, a famous NASA mission, and now … a billionaire tech mogul?
This is the code name Elon Musk’s security team uses to refer to him, The New York Times reported as part of an investigation into the Tesla CEO’s protective services.
And “Voyager” doesn’t go far without his bodyguard, flanked by 20 security personnel, some armed – plus medical professionals – wherever he goes, according to the outlet.
In many ways, Musk’s deep bench of security personnel makes sense. With a net worth of more than $250 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, he is the richest person in the world, and that stratospheric wealth brings some real risks into the equation.
But Musk isn’t always rich, and the Times reports that he prefers to roam without his personal platoon. But in 2014, Musk reportedly upgraded to a permanent security staff to run errands, assess threats, and research people he deemed “unsuitable pursuers.”
The expenses can total six figures in a month, the NYT reports, having reached a bill of more than $163,000 in January 2016. And Musk reportedly increased security measures as his wealth, status, and security risks increased.
He is also not afraid to speak out about security issues or threats made against him. At Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in June, Musk said that “two homicidal maniacs” had threatened to kill him in recent months.
They are also taking steps to improve security.
In 2022, Business Insider revealed that Musk bought the house in secret after his former address became public knowledge. Neighbors had earlier told BI that the billionaire’s home has 24/7 security. Musk also tried to take down the X account, which was before Twitter, which tracked his private jet several times.
With Musk saying it’s “getting a little crazy right now” at Tesla’s recent shareholder meeting, his security has upped the ante to stay.
Tesla’s SEC filing revealed that Musk’s security company billed the company $2.4 million in 2023 and another $500,000 through February 2024, just part of Musk’s total security costs.
And the security follows him everywhere – even to the bathroom. Musk’s father, Errol, has weighed in, saying he fears for his son’s safety “even though he has about 100 security guards.” Musk even ramped up security for Errol’s South African home, arming it with camera systems, electrified fences, and constant monitoring by guards, Errol said.
Musk isn’t the only tech tycoon doubling down on security spending. Mark Zuckerberg’s 2023 total compensation of $24 million from Meta is “almost all expenses related to personal security” at home and during personal travel, according to the SEC filing.
Other companies spend much less, with Apple outspending $820,309 in 2023 in the personal security of CEO Tim Cook and more than $1,621,468 on personal travel expenses.
Tesla has also tightened security after its former chief financial officer, Zachary Kirkhornreceived a death threat demanding $300,000 in bitcoins via email, Business Insider previously reported.
At least five other 911s were also reportedly made between 2022 and 2023 from Tesla’s HQ, which law enforcement categorized as a “terrorist threat,” BI reported.
Former and current employees previously told BI that plant workers in Nevada and Texas had to check badges on the shuttle (or at the gate for people driving to work) and at two separate points while inside the building.
Read the original article on Business Insider