The Justice Department has arrested a man following two alleged arson attacks in New Mexico.
The DOJ charged 40-year-old Jamison Wagner with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives.
Wagner is the chief suspect in the February 9 fire at the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom, and the March 30 fire at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office.
The Albuquerque resident was charged following a search at his home which found evidence linking him to the attacks, including a stencil reading "ICE = KKK" which matched graffiti left at the RPNM office following the fire, materials for making incendiary devices, and a jar with a green gingham-style lid which was similar to other jars found at the crime scenes.
Why It Matters
There have been some 80 reported vandalism or arson incidents at Tesla dealerships since Donald Trump took office and Tesla CEO Elon Musk became a critical part of his administration.
The FBI has formed a task-force specifically for combatting what they have called "violent activity toward Tesla," which they have labelled as "domestic terrorism."
What To Know
The Albuquerque resident was charged following a search at his home which found evidence linking him to the attacks, including a stencil reading "ICE = KKK" which matched graffiti left at the RPNM office following the fire, materials for making incendiary devices, and a jar with a green gingham-style lid which was similar to other jars found at the crime scenes.
The search of his home also found a white box with eight assembled suspected incendiary devices inside. This white box appeared similar to the white cardboard box carried by the suspect on surveillance footage outside of the Tesla dealership on February 9.
FBI and ATF investigators also found blue Styrofoam egg cartons which matched the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire and flammable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes.
Other evidence which the DOJ claim link Wagner to the crime scenes include several jars marked with handwritten capital letters "I" or "H," which appeared to be similar to handwritten markings seen on lids found at both arson sites, and black and red spray paint which matched the graffiti used at both crime scenes.
Wagner's 2015 white Hyundai Accent was also found in his garage. It matched the white car spotted on surveillance footage from the RPNM headquarters fire.
The Tesla dealership fire resulted in one Tesla being significantly damaged, and one being burnt. The suspect left black and red graffiti on the walls of the dealership and six other vehicles, which said: "Die Elon," "Tesla Nazi Inc," and "Die Tesla Nazi," along with swastika symbols.
The RPNM fire resulted in damage to the front door and entry area. The suspect also left graffiti which read "ICE = KKK."
As of this moment, Wagner has not been charged with domestic terrorism, however his charges may result in him spending 20 years in prison for each of his two counts if found guilty. Attorney General Pam Bondi also warned in March that Tesla vandals could spend 20 years in prison.
Vandalism at Tesla showrooms is not connected to the peaceful Tesla Takedown protests which have occurred across the country.
What People Are Saying
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico: "The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism. We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law."
FBI Director Kash Patel on X: "The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response. This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice."
What Happens Next
Wagner is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He could face between five and 20 years in prison if found guilty of two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives.
