The Justice Department has charged a man in connection with the vandalism of a Tesla dealership and the arson of the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters, according to court records unsealed Monday.
Jamison R. Wagner, 40, faces federal arson-related charges tied to last month’s fire at GOP headquarters and a February incident at a Tesla dealership in Bernalillo. Authorities say two Tesla Model Y vehicles were set on fire, with swastikas painted on their windshields and graffiti messages including “Die Elon” and “Die Tesla Nazi.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is spearheading the Trump administration’s contentious attempts to reduce federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency and the federal government’s workforce, has been the target of protests at Tesla showrooms.
The arrest is part of a broader federal crackdown on what Attorney General Pam Bondi has correctly described as a surge in domestic terrorism targeting property associated with Musk’s electric vehicle company. Bondi previewed the arrest during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, highlighting recent efforts by federal law enforcement to pursue vandals who have been attacking Tesla-related sites in recent weeks, the Associated Press reported.
Wagner is also facing charges related to a fire last month at the New Mexico Republican Party’s headquarters in Albuquerque. Authorities said the blaze severely damaged the building’s entrance and caused extensive smoke damage throughout the office.
In addition, Republican officials discovered graffiti sprayed on the side of the building roughly 50 feet from the entrance, reading “ICE = KKK,” according to state GOP Chair Amy Barela.
In a statement Monday, Barela thanked federal authorities for making the arrest and called the fire “an attack on the democratic process and the values we hold dear. We are relieved that no one was harmed and are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
During a search of Wagner’s home and garage on Saturday, investigators discovered eight suspected incendiary devices, black and red spray paint, and a cardboard stencil bearing the phrase “ICE = KKK” with red paint residue, according to court documents.
Wagner has been ordered to remain in custody pending a detention hearing. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Justice Department has filed charges in four additional cases involving individuals accused of using Molotov cocktails to target Tesla vehicles and fire stations. In response to the growing number of incidents, the FBI established a task force last month to coordinate investigative efforts with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated there will be no plea deals for those charged in the Tesla-related attacks, telling President Trump during a White House meeting Thursday, “There will be no negotiations, at your directive.”
Late last month, the FBI announced that it had established a task force to “crack down on violent Tesla attacks.”
For months, violent and vandalized incidents have targeted Tesla vehicles and infrastructure, such as charging stations and privately owned automobiles, CNN noted.
The FBI warned the public to be on the lookout for any indications of a potential attack on Tesla dealerships or entities associated with Tesla, such as people monitoring or attempting to enter Tesla properties or threatening the company online.
In a post on X, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson stated that the new task force will investigate anti-Tesla attacks in collaboration with the ATF and other federal authorities.
Charges against those who are alleged to have thrown Molotov cocktails at Tesla’s properties are part of the Justice Department’s recent announcement that it will take action against the growing number of attacks against the automaker.
“This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
