New Mexico man charged for arson attacks on Tesla dealership, GOP headquarters

Published 14/04/2025, 20:14
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- The U.S. Justice Department reported on Monday that a man, Jamison Wagner, has been criminally charged for allegedly carrying out two recent arson attacks. The targets of these attacks were the New Mexico Republican Party’s headquarters and a Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) dealership.

The criminal complaint, issued on April 12, accuses Wagner of arson. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in either incident.

The first arson attack occurred on February 9, at a Tesla dealership in Albuquerque. The second incident took place on March 30 at the Republican Party headquarters, also located in Albuquerque, according to the complaint.

Investigators found graffiti on the Republican Party building that read "ICE=KKK," which they believe to be a reference to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At the Tesla dealership, graffiti messages were discovered that targeted Tesla CEO Elon Musk. One message read "Die Elon" and another said "Die Tesla Nazi."

The complaint also revealed that two Tesla Model Y vehicles were damaged in the fire at the dealership.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that they will be "prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law," and are seeking up to 40 years in prison for the accused. Bondi has also pledged to treat recent attacks against Tesla dealerships and charging stations as domestic terrorism, which could potentially lead to stricter prison terms.

Robert Cekada, the deputy director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced on Monday that a team of special agents, certified fire investigators, and forensics experts have been working tirelessly to assemble the evidence and make the arrest. Cekada stated, "We follow the evidence, we find the truth and we bring offenders to justice."

The complaint also detailed that investigators found evidence at Wagner’s home, including eight suspected incendiary devices, black and red spray paint, and a cardboard stencil that read "ICE=KKK."

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