A man from New Mexico has been accused of recent arson attacks on a Tesla dealership and a local Republican Party building, as reported by the Justice Department on Monday.
The individual, identified as Jamison Wagner, 40, and a resident of Albuquerque, was taken into custody after authorities discovered incriminating evidence linking him to the incidents during a search of his residence. Wagner faces charges including two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will be held in custody until a detention hearing.
“This should serve as a clear message to those engaging in this current surge of political violence,” expressed Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will apprehend you, we will bring you to justice, and there will be no room for negotiation. Actions have consequences.”
The attack on the Tesla facility happened on Feb. 9 when the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, with one left significantly damaged.
The wall of the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office was vandalized during an arson attack. (Justice Department)
Investigators determined the car was a Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015. They also determined that homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids were used in both attacks.
Wagner matched the physical description of the suspects at both scenes and owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent, prosecutors said.
During a search of his home, the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) found multiple pieces of evidence linking him to the Arsons, including a jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” black and red spray paint and blue styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire, among others.
FBI Director Kash Patel said evidence at the scene “strongly suggests that this weekend, our brave agents prevented further planned arson attacks.”
Tesla facilities have been targeted for violence in recent months over Elon Musk, its CEO, and his work with the Trump administration.
A Tesla dealership in New Mexico was attacked and vandalized in February, authorities said. (Justice Department)
“Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”
