- A man has been arrested for arson attacks on a Tesla dealership and Republican headquarters in New Mexico.
- Two Teslas were set ablaze, while six other vehicles were covered in graffiti some of which reportedly said “Die Elon.”
- Jamison Wagner was eventually tied to the attacks and he’s now facing up to 40 years in prison for his actions.
A 40 year-old Albuquerque man has been arrested and charged for arson attacks that targeted a Tesla dealership as well as the headquarters of the Republican Party of New Mexico.
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In a surprisingly detailed account, the Department of Justice said the Tesla store in Albuquerque was attacked on February 9. During that incident, two vehicles were set on fire and one was “significantly damaged.” The investigation found an intact glass container in one of the vehicles and it contained “improvised napalm.”
More: Tesla Under Siege As Multiple EVs Set On Fire And Vandalized Across The US
Aside from the fires, the dealership and six other vehicles were covered in black and red graffiti. These included a mix of swastika symbols as well as messages saying “Die Elon” and “Die Tesla Nazi.”
Security cameras caught the attacker, who was dressed and black and wearing a mask. This prevented authorities from being able to easily identify him.
Photos DOJ
The following month, the Republican Party of New Mexico was hit by a similar attack. The front door and entrance were set on fire, while there was graffiti saying “ICE=KKK.” This appears to be a claim that gas-powered vehicles are driven by white supremacists.
That’s an odd take, but authorities caught a break as surveillance footage from nearby businesses revealed a white sedan. The driver apparently exited the vehicle, started the blaze, and then drove away.
Investigators determined the car was a 2012-2015 Hyundai Accent and Jamison Wagner emerged as a “significant person of interest for both crime scenes.” Not only did he look like the person caught on camera in the Tesla attack, but he also drove a white 2015 Hyundai Accent.
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The ATF and FBI conducted a search of his residence on April 12 and allegedly found eight suspected incendiary devices, materials for making improvised napalm, and similar jars as those used in the attacks. If that wasn’t enough of a slam dunk, there was a stencil with the phrase “ICE=KKK.”
Wagner is facing two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives. Each carries a penalty of between 5 and 20 years in prison.
Photos DOJ
United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence. We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche echoed that sentiment by stating “Hurling firebombs is not political protest.” He added the arrest “sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments.”
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