Arson attack on Tesla store in New Mexico: Perpetrator arrested

A 40-year-old man from New Mexico was arrested for a targeted arson attack on a Tesla store near Albuquerque. The attack on February 9th was apparently directed against Tesla vehicles and the brand itself.

The Incident in Bernalillo

In the early morning hours of February 9th, residents alerted the fire department to a fire in the parking lot of the Tesla showroom in Bernalillo.

Two Model Y were damaged, one of them significantly.
Graffiti with slogans like “Die Elon” and “Tesla Nazi Inc” were discovered on vehicles and the facade.
A makeshift incendiary container with a napalm-like substance was found in one of the car seats.

Investigation Results and Evidence

Federal agencies, including the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and the prosecutor's office, conducted a multi-month investigation:

Analysis of the surveillance footage at the crime scene
Forensic analysis of the fire residues and the improvised incendiary device
House search of the suspect found further incendiary devices, spray cans, and stencils with political agitation

Arrest and Charges

Jamison Wagner was arrested on April 13th and charged with arson of commercial properties.

Possible prison sentence: Up to 40 years under federal law
Motive: According to investigators, ideological agitation and political disruptions

Another arson attack at the Republican Party office in New Mexico is also linked to Wagner.

Reactions and Context

US Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that politically motivated attacks would not be tolerated. Tesla-CEO Elon Musk condemned the attacks as "insane and deeply wrong" and highlighted that Tesla only builds electric cars and should not be a target of such acts.

Outlook

Wagner has not yet pleaded; a bail hearing is scheduled for this week.
The verdict will be groundbreaking in curbing future attacks on Tesla store locations and the security of e-car dealers.