Federal authorities have arrested a New Mexico man in connection with two politically charged arson attacks – one targeting a Tesla dealership, and the other hitting the Republican Party of New Mexico’s headquarters.
Jamison Wagner, 40, of Albuquerque, was taken into custody after investigators uncovered some heavy evidence tying him to both incidents, according to an April 14 press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Wagner has a picture and bio posted in “500 Queer Scientists” which reads:
Wagner is now facing two federal counts of malicious damage to property by means of fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing.
“Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences,” Bondi added.
The first attack took place on February 9, when fire engulfed part of the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom. Two vehicles were caught in the blaze, with one sustaining major damage. Graffiti scrawled on the showroom’s exterior showed threatening messages such as “Die Elon” and “Tesla Nazi Inc,” alongside swastika symbols. Surveillance footage showed a masked person carrying a box to the scene, moments before the fire broke out.
A second incident followed on March 30, targeting the Republican Party of New Mexico’s main office. The building’s entryway was badly damaged by fire, and investigators recovered remnants of homemade bombs fashioned from glass containers.
Matching graffiti and suspicious symbols found at both scenes helped authorities draw connections between the crimes.
DOJ Investigators said Wagner matched surveillance footage from both attacks and drove a white 2015 Hyundai Accent consistent with the vehicle seen fleeing the second scene. A search of his home found black and red spray paint, glass jars marked with handwritten letters, and blue Styrofoam egg cartons believed to have been used to manufacture makeshift napalm.
Officials say Wagner’s arrest may have disrupted even more acts of planned-out violence.
No injuries were reported in either arson. Yet, both incidents have sparked alarm over escalating threats against politically and culturally significant institutions, especially those adjacent to conservative political values like Tesla.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted a quick response to the attacks via X, simply saying: “He has a long history of violence.”
“This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” added FBI Director Kash Patel.