Jamison Wagner, a 40-year-old resident of Albuquerque, faces serious federal charges related to recent arson attacks on a Tesla showroom and the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters. The Department of Justice (DOJ) described the charges in a dramatic press release. They elaborated on how Wagner vandalized, destroyed or damaged property in bad faith by fire or explosive.
That first attack came on February 9, when the electric manufacturer’s showroom turned into a site of vandalism and arson. Whoever the attackers were, they spray-painted the facility with inflammatory phrases Cook Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. Anti-Elon Musk graffiti on the walls of a Tesla factory in Germany read “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi.” These messages reflect growing discontent towards Musk, particularly due to his role in controversial initiatives during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Wagner’s residence on Saturday, finding significant evidence linking him to both crimes. Among the items confiscated was a box with eight suspected incendiary devices and a stencil reading ICE=KKK. Investigators were able to use surveillance video to prove a connection between Wagner and the attacks, bolstering their case against him.
Wagner was first indicted on two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives. If found guilty, he would face potentially 20 years in federal prison for each charge. He is currently detained pending a detention hearing.
The DOJ wanted to highlight just how serious the charges are. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “Hurling firebombs is not political protest. It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent.” His remarks are an important signal that the agency is taking seriously the violent acts masked as political expression.
FBI Director Kash Patel defending the case. He noted that evidence gathered at the site shows agents prevented more planned arson attacks during their investigation.
The charges against Jamison Wagner fit into an alarming trend of criminal charges that we have seen over the last few years for attacking Tesla property. While these investigations are ongoing, law enforcement has hit hard to prevent other acts of violence to follow suit.
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