New Mexico man faces federal accusations allegedly setting fire to Tesla’s showroom
The New Mexico man is facing federal charges in two separate cases of allegedly arson. Tesla Showrooms in showrooms and New Mexico Republican offices – according to Monday press release From the Department of Justice.
Jamison Wagner, 40, has been charged with allegedly causing a fire to a building or vehicle used in interstate commerce. Rates can be applied to products manufactured and sold in various states, such as Tesla showrooms and Republican offices selling Maga products. DOJ spokesman Shannon Schevlin told Wired that Wagner’s arrest occurred Saturday.
“Let’s make this the final lesson for those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” Attorney General Pam Bondy said in a press release Monday. “We arrest you, we will indict you, and we will not negotiate. The crime will have consequences.”
Wagner’s arrest warrants claim that the two Tesla Model Ys are responsible for the February 9 incident at the Tesla showroom, where windows were shattered and the two Tesla Model Ys were burning. He also claims he is responsible for the March 30 incident at the New Mexico Republican office.
The arrest warrant also states that the lead investigator in Wagner’s case is an FBI agent specializing in “international terrorism, domestic terrorism and firearms.” This marks the second known time when FBI terrorism investigators were involved in a criminal investigation in connection with the recent public backlash against Musk and Tesla. However, this is the first time that a suspect has been said to have been linked to another incident. In this case, they targeted Republican offices.
The arrest comes amid repeated calls by Bondi, President Trump, Elon MuskSpeaker of the House Mike Johnsonand Marjorie Taylor Greene The arson and vandalism of Tesla’s property will be treated as “domestic terrorism.” Five people are currently facing federal charges on vandalism and arson targeting Tesla’s property, according to a press release by the DOJ.
As reported by Wiredlaw enforcement can access surveillance technology and have more legitimate leeway during terrorism investigations than other types of investigations. These investigations could also allow Musk and Tesla executives to access surveillance of “Tesla Takedown” protesters, but the protests are peaceful. Published Protest organizers I said They must not support damage to property. The FBI can decide to share this type of information with victims of crime with previously reported wired ones.
Bondi teased News of Wagner’s arrest at a TV cabinet meeting last week told Trump that there was “another major arrest” related to the attack on Tesla dealers within the next 24 hours.
“The person will be watching at least 20 years of prison without negotiation,” Bondy said Thursday. (The DOJ press release issued after Wagner’s arrest states that “the complaint is merely a complaint and all defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court beyond reasonable doubt.”)